iontach
/ˈuːn̪ˠt̪ˠəx/
The English word 'splendid' is translated into Irish as iontach.
While iontach can describe something possessing literal grandeur or splendor, it is very commonly used in everyday speech as a general intensifier meaning 'wonderful' or 'great'.
Meaning: possessing or displaying splendor (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective iontach remains the same in the nominative singular and the nominative plural when used with certain nouns, but it follows standard adjective declension rules in other cases.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈuːn̪ˠt̪ˠəx/
Did you know?
- The word iontach evolved from the Middle Irish ingantach, which was used to describe things that were not just great but truly marvelous or strange.
- In Irish, iontach can be used as a one-word response to show agreement or approval, acting much like the English word 'brilliant'.
- Depending on the regional dialect, the nt sound in iontach can sound like a soft 'nd' to English speakers.
Examples in context
- Buíochas le Dia! Tá sé go hálainn!Thank God! It's splendid!
- Ar fheabhas! Nach bhfuil an lá ag dul go maith!Splendid! Isn't the day going well!
- Tá an t-oíche iontach.The night is splendid.
- Níl aon rud iontach sa saol seo.There is nothing splendid in this life.
Example conversation
Cathal and Siobhán are visiting a cathedral.
- CathalAn bhfuil an t-earmas iontach, a Siobhán?Is the altar splendid, Siobhán?
- SiobhánTá, tá sé go hiontach.Yes, it is splendid.
- CathalIs iontach an t-áit í seo.This is a splendid place.
- SiobhánTá mé ag tabhairt aontacht leat, a Chathail.I agree with you, Cathal.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry iontach, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries iontach, CC BY-SA 4.0.
