Síneadh fada literally means "a long stretch" and when a síneadh fada occurs over a vowel it shows that the vowel is long rather than short.
This difference can indicate distinct meanings:
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Examples of words with short vowels: fear (a man) and cas (turn)
- Examples of words with long vowels: féar (grass) and cás (a case).
The only difference in writing between these pairs of words is whether or not the vowels have a síneadh fada. This is an important difference, as it may affect the meaning.
The plural of síneadh fada is sínte fada "length marks".
Click here for tips on how to type a fada on keyboard.