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Gaelic

[ gey-lik, gol-ik ]

noun

  1. a Celtic language that includes the speech of ancient Ireland and the dialects that have developed from it, especially those usually known as Irish, Manx, and Scottish Gaelic: Gaelic constitutes the Goidelic subbranch of Celtic.


adjective

  1. of or in Gaelic.
  2. of or relating to the Gaels or their language.

Gaelic

/ ˈɡeɪlɪk; ˈɡæl- /

noun

  1. any of the closely related languages of the Celts in Ireland, Scotland, or (formerly) the Isle of Man Compare Goidelic


adjective

  1. of, denoting, or relating to the Celtic people of Ireland, Scotland, or the Isle of Man or their language or customs

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Other Words From

  • an·ti-Gael·ic adjective
  • non-Gael·ic adjective
  • pro-Gael·ic adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Gaelic1

First recorded in 1590–1600; Gael + -ic (representing Scots Gaelic Gaidhlig, derivative of Gaidheal Gael )

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Compare Meanings

How does Gaelic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

Auld lang syne” is Scottish-Gaelic for “old long since,” or, more idiomatically, “days gone by” or “time long past.

Another was Greg Jacob, a pro rugby player for Gaelic Athletic Association.

Even the words vodka and whiskey are derived from the same word: “water” in Slavic and Gaelic, respectively.

Even his mythological references came mostly from Greek and Gaelic legends.

The most philosophical language is the Gaelic, which has no present tense—and the most useless.

Late in the evening we hailed the Gaelic shoars, and hankered in the arbor of Balong sir-mare.

The Mountain of the Mist, they say the words signify in the Gaelic tongue; and it is well named.

I have always thought of the shears by its Gaelic name, but it is past my power to spell it.

If you take a pair of shears, close and open them and then try to pronounce the sound you hear, you will have the Gaelic name.

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