neamh-

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See also: neamh and nèamh

Irish[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Middle Irish nem-, from Old Irish neph- (compare Scottish Gaelic neo-, Manx neu-).

Prefix[edit]

neamh-

  1. in-, un-, -less
  2. non-

Usage notes[edit]

  • This prefix in Irish is added to nouns and adjectives denoting lack or negated property. It lenites the word to which it attaches.
    neamh- + ‎suim (interest) → ‎neamhshuim (disinterest)
    neamh- + ‎teoranta (inhibited, limited, restricted) → ‎neamhtheoranta (uninhibited)
    neamh- + ‎duine (person) → ‎neamhdhuine (a nobody)
  • Written with a hyphen when preceding a word beginning with m:
    neamh- + ‎meisce (drunkenness) → ‎neamh-mheisce (sobriety)
  • In older words, the final mh of the prefix and the initial mh of the root merge into an unlenited m:
    neamh- + ‎maiteach (forgiving) → ‎neamaiteach (unforgiving)

Synonyms[edit]

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References[edit]