Gaelicising

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The process of adapting words, names, or customs to align with Gaelic language or culture ; making something more characteristic of Gaelic traditions or speech ; converting elements to reflect the linguistic or cultural features of Gaelic-speaking communities
2. The act of transforming non-Gaelic terms or practices into forms consistent with Gaelic language norms ; embracing Gaelic phonetics, spelling, or cultural identity in modifications ; incorporation of Gaelic elements into previously non-Gaelic contexts or materials
3. Changing vocabulary, names, or cultural elements to bear Gaelic linguistic or traditional traits ; the method of rendering items in a manner typical of Gaelic heritage ; adopting Gaelic language rules or cultural attributes in modifying existing forms

Etymology: "Gaelicising" is the present participle and gerund of the verb "Gaelicise", which is formed from "Gaelic" and the English verb-forming suffix "-ise". The base word "Gaelic" comes from the same Latinised stem as the Scottish Gaelic and Irish names for the language and people, while "-ise" (spelled "-ize" in American English) attaches to nouns and adjectives to mean "to make into" or "to make like". Put together, the verb means to make something conform to Gaelic, which is exactly how its senses now operate: giving a non-Gaelic term a Gaelic spelling, sound, or character, or building Gaelic elements into something that was not Gaelic before.

Synonyms: gaelicizing, celticizing

Antonyms: anglicizing, degaelicizing