éigcríoch
The English word 'infinity' is translated into Irish as éigcríoch.
éigcríoch is a noun used to describe the concept of endlessness, unlimitedness or the absence of an end or limit.
Meaning: endlessness, unlimitedness, absence of end or limit (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound formed from the prefix é (meaning not or un-) and críoch (meaning end, limit or boundary).
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter the expression gan críoch, which is used to mean 'without end' or 'endless'.
Did you know?
- In certain traditional contexts, the concept of 'endlessness' is tied to the idea of 'unboundedness', where críoch acts as the 'edge' of the known world.
- If you use críoch to talk about a person's life, it can sound quite dramatic, as if you are referring to their 'final boundary' or 'death'.
- The word críoch can be used to describe the 'conclusion' of a musical piece, meaning that 'infinity' and 'the end of a song' share the same linguistic root in Irish.
Examples in context
- Tá an tionscadal seo fite fuaite le damhsa gan críoch.This project is closely linked to an endless dance.
- Bhí an cheol ag dul ar aghaidh gan deireadh.The music was going on endlessly.
Example conversation
Conor and Siobhán are looking at the stars in the night sky.
- ConorBreathnaigh ar na réaltaí, a Siobhán.Look at the stars, Siobhán.
- SiobhánTá an spás chomh mór sin.Space is so big.
- ConorIs cosúil gur éigcríoch é.It seems like it is infinity.
- SiobhánTá mé cinnte go bhfuil sé sin fíor.I am sure that is true.
