úsilí

úsilí is a noun in the Irish language meaning “effort” or “endeavour.” It denotes the exertion, application, or enterprise directed toward achieving a goal. In modern Irish, úsílí can carry nuance of perseverance and purposeful activity and is used in both everyday speech and prose.

Etymology and classification: It forms part of a class of Irish abstract nouns used to express acts and qualities. In dictionaries it is glossed as “effort” or “endeavour.” Related terms include iarracht (attempt), dúthracht (endeavour or diligence), and díograis (enthusiasm).

Usage and nuance: Usilí emphasizes sustained effort over time, while iarracht emphasizes the act of attempting, and dúthracht stresses diligence. The choice depends on nuance and style; úsílí often appears in formal or literary Irish and in discussions of motivation, work, or perseverance.

Translations: In English-language texts, úsílí is usually rendered as “effort” or “endeavour.” In glossaries of Irish-language literature, it is treated as a standard noun for coordinating ideas about work and goal-directed activity.

See also: Iarracht, Dúthracht, Díograis.

References: Irish dictionaries and corpora, such as Foclóir Gaeilge-Béarla and contemporary Irish-language style guides.