Focal an Lae #278
The Word of the Day in Irish
Word: spéir (SPAYR) [sp′eːr′]
Meaning: spéir = sky
Usage:
- Tá an spéir os ár gcionn. (TAW uhn SPAYR os awr GYOON) [taː ən sp′eːr′ os aːr g′uːn] = The sky is above us.
- amuigh faoin spéir (uh-MOO fween SPAYR) [əmu fiːn sp′eːr′] = out in the open (lit., outside under-the sky)
- fíor na spéire (FEE-uhr nuh SPAY-ruh) [f′iːr nə sp′eːr′ə] = the horizon (lit., outline of-the sky)
History: Classical Irish “sbéir” comes from Anglo-Norman “(e)spere” (sphere of the heavens), from Latin “sphaera”, which is from Greek “sphaira”.
The cognate in English is “sphere”.
Scottish Gaelic: speur