níos

See also: nios and ñíos

Irish

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /n̠ʲiːsˠ/

Etymology 1

From Middle Irish níd as (“a thing that is”)

Particle

níos

1. Used with the comparative/superlative form of adjectives to form the simple comparative

   an buachaill níos mó ― the bigger boy

   Tá an buachaill níos mó ná Séamas.

   The boy is bigger than James.

Etymology 2

Inflected form of nigh.

Alternative forms

• nigheas (obsolete)

Verb

níos

1. present relative of nigh

   an cailín a níos an t-éadach ― the girl who washes the clothes

2. first-person singular past of nigh

   Níos mo chuid éadaigh.

   I washed my clothes.

Synonyms

• (present relative): níonn
• (1st person singular past): nigh mé

Etymology 3

Inflected form of ní⁴.

Alternative forms

• ghníos (obsolete)

Verb

níos

1. (archaic, Aran, Ulster) present relative of déan

   an buachaill a níos an féar ― the boy who makes the hay

Synonyms

• ní, níonn (analytic form, also commonly used in relatives)
• dhéanas, dhéanann (forms used in Connacht and the written standard)
• dheineann (form used in Munster)