ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gaelic

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɡeɪɫɪk// gael·ic

n. a group of languages spoken in parts of Scotland and Ireland. People often use this word to talk about the traditional language of the Scottish Highlands.

n. a group of Celtic languages including Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx. When used without a qualifier in a Scottish context, it specifically denotes the Goidelic language of the Highlands.


SIMPLE

He is learning to speak Gaelic.

CONTEXTUAL

Many road signs in the Scottish Highlands are written in both English and Gaelic to preserve the local heritage.

COMPLEX

The revival of Gaelic in urban centers has led to an increase in bilingual education programs and a renewed interest in traditional folk music and literature.

Synonyms
Origin

From Gael + -ic.

Usage

Usually capitalized. In Ireland, the language is more commonly referred to simply as 'Irish' rather than 'Gaelic'.

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