Free

7th October 201812th January 2024 By Simon

Words for free and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*su-wiros = free (“good man”)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	saer [soːi̯r] = free, freeman, noble, craftsman saeraid [ˈsoːi̯rɨðʲ] = to free, liberate, deliver, save, exempt saire [ˈsai̯.rʲe] = freedom, liberty
Middle Irish	saer, soer, sóer = free, freeman, noble, ready, skilled, sáeraid = to free, liberate, save, rescue, deliver saíre, sóire = freedom, liberty, nobility,
Irish (Gaeilge)	saor [sˠeːɾˠ/sˠiːɾˠ] = free, enfranchised; noble; independent saoradh = liberation, deliverance, release, acquittal, assurance, confirmation saoráid = ease, facility, ease, freedom from constraint saoráideach = easy, facile saoráidí = easiness, facileness saoráil = freedom, bargin saorálach = voluntary, free, unconstrained saorálaí = volunteer saoirse = freedom, immunity, exemption
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	saor [sɯːr] = free (not captive); cheap; frank saora [sɯːr̪ˠsə] = freedom, liberty, redemption saorachd [sɯːrəxg] = freedom, cheapness saoradair [sɯːrədɪrʲ] = liberator saoradh [sɯːrəɣ] = freeing, libterating, liberation saorsach = [sɯːr̪ˠsəx] = free, unrestrained saorsachd = [sɯːr̪ˠsəxg] = freedom, exemption saorsainn [sɯːr̪ˠsɪn̪ʲ] = liberty
Manx (Gaelg)	seyr [seːr] = free, gratuitous, gratis, complimentary, immune, floating, independent, unforced seyrsnys = autonomy, exemption, freedom, immunity, independence seyrey = absolution, exemption, liberation; to absolve, acquite, exempt, free, libterate

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *su- (good, well), from PIE *h₁su- (good, well), and Proto-Celtic *wiros (man, husband), from PIE *wiHrós (man, husband) [source]

The Irish name Fearghal (Fergal, Feargal), and the English name Farrell come from the Proto-Celtic name *Wirogalos, from *wiros (man) and‎ *galā (valour, ability) [source], and the Irish name Fearghas and the English version, Fergus, come from the Proto-Celtic name *Wirogustus, from *wiros (man) and‎ *gustus (excellence, force) [source]

Proto-Celtic	*ɸriyos = free
Proto-Brythonic	*rɨð [ˈrɨːð] = free
Middle Welsh (Cymraeg)	ryd, rit = free, nonconformist; unrestricted, unrestrained; open; liberal ryddd-dab, rydd-deb = freedom, liberation, deliverance, immunity ryddhâd, rhyddhaad = release, libteration, freedom rydhaw, rydhaa, rytha = to free, release, liberate
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhydd [r̥ɨːð / r̥iːð] = free, nonconformist; unrestricted, unrestrained; open; liberal rhyddd-deb = freedom, liberation, deliverance, immunity rhyddhad = release, libteration, freedom rhyddhaf, rhyddhau = to free, release, liberate
Old Cornish	rid = free
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	rid, ruid = free, unconstrained
Cornish (Kernewek)	rydh [rɪ:ð / ri:ð] = free rydhses = freedom, liberty
Old Breton (Brethonoc	rid = free

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *priHós (dear, beloved, happy, free), from *preyH- (like, love) [source]. English words from the same PIE roots include free(dom), friend and proper [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Sorrow & sadness

6th October 20189th June 2023 By Simon

Words for sorrow, sadness and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	trougos/trowgo- = sorry, sad, wretched
Old Irish (Goídelc)	trúag, tróg = miserable, wretched, emaciated, wretch trúagdae = miserable, wretched trógán, trúagán = miserable person, wretch, pauper trúaige = affliction, compassion, misery, pity, wretchedness
Middle Irish (Gaedhealg)	trúag = wretched, pititable, miserable, sad; thin, lean, emaciated; wretch, miserable person trúagdae, trogdae, trúagdai, troghda = miserable, wretched. piteous trúagán = miserable person, wretch, pauper trúagnait, trógnait = wretch, miserable person trúaige = misery, wretchedness, affliction trúaigméil = pitiable, sorrowful
Irish (Gaeilge)	trua [t̪ˠɾˠuə] = pity, sympathy, compassion, miserable person, wretch; pitiable, miserable, wretched; lean, thin, emaciated truacánta = piteous, plaintive truacántacht = piteousness, plaintiveness truachroíoch = kind-hearted, compassionate, heartrending, piteous truacht = leanness atruach = compassionate truán = miserable person, wretch; thin, emaciated creature, importunate person truanairt = wretch truánta = wretched; thin, emaciated truántacht = wretchedness; thinness, emaciation
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	truagh [truəɣ] = abject, forlorn, miserable, pitiful, poor, sorry truaghan [truəɣan] = poor soul/thing, wretch truaghag [truəɣag] = poor/pitiful thing, poor wee thing (female) truaghaileachd [truəɣaləxg] = compassionateness, tender-heartedness truaghanachd [truəɣən̪ˠəxg] = abjectness, miserableness, wretchedness truas [truəs] = pity, compassion, sympathy
Manx (Gaelg)	truan = misery truanagh = miserable, mournful, sorrowful person truanys = misery treih = abject, deplorable, feeble, forlorn, fragile, miserable, pathetic, piteous, pitiful, regrettable, rueful treihaght = misery, pitifullness, pitifulness treihnagh = mournful treihys = abjection, abjectness, fragility, misery
Gaulish	*trugan = wretch
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tru, trv = wretched, miserable, deplorable, pitiful, pathetic truan = wretch, miserable person truanu = to take pity, feel compassion truaneid, truanaidd = wretched, miserable, deplorable tryanedd, tayyrnedd = wretchedness trueni = misery, wretchedness, abjectness, degradation truanus = wretched, miserable, deplorable, poor trỽch, troch, truch = unfortunate, sad, wretched
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tru [trɨː/triː] = wretched, miserable, deplorable, pitiful, pathetic truan = wretch, miserable person; wretched, miserable, deplorable, pitiful, pathetic, poor, weak truanaf, truanu = to take pity, feel compassion truanaidd = wretched, miserable, deplorable, pitiful truanedd = wretchedness trueni = misery, wretchedness, abjectness, degradation truenus = wretched, miserable, deplorable, poor trwch = unfortunate, sad, wretched, poor; bad, evil, wicked; unfortunate person, wretch, scoundrel
Old Cornish	troc = miser
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tru = alas, pity, sad, woe trueth = pity, compassion troc = wretched, miser
Cornish (Kernewek)	tru = alas truan = sadly, miserable, unfortunate, wretched truedh = pity, sympathy truedhek = sadly, pathetic, pitiful, plaintive, sad trogh = broken, wretched
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tru = pitiful, wretched, miserable truant = pitiful, wretched, miserable trugarez = pity, mercy, forgiveness, thanks, misery
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tru = pitiful, wretched, miserable, wretch trugarez = thank you, mercy, forgiveness truant = beggar truanter = cheater, supplicant

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *terh₁- (to rub, turn, drill, pierce). Words from the same roots possibly include truant in English, and truand (crook, gangster, beggar) in French [source].

Proto-Celtic	*brugnos = saddness, pain
Old Irish (Goídelc)	brón [broːn] = sorrow, grief, lamentation, distress, burden
Irish (Gaeilge)	brón [bˠɾˠoːnˠ] = sorrow, grief, grieving, lamentation; distress, burden brónach [ˈbˠɾˠoːnˠəx] = sad, sorrowful
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bròn [brɔːn] = grief, sadness, sorrow, mourning, affliction brònach [ˈbrɔːnəx] = doleful, miserable, rueful, sad, sorrowful; disconsolate
Manx (Gaelg)	bran = sorrow, blackness of soul branagh = mournful, black (as outlook)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brwyn [bruːɨ̯n / brʊi̯n] = sorrow, grief, sadness; sorrowful, grievous, sad, heavy; pensive

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *gʷruHǵʰ-nó-, from *gʷrewHǵʰ- (to bite) + *-nós, or from *bʰreg- (to break) [source].

Welsh (Cymraeg)	trist [triːst / trɪst] = sad, unhappy, sorrowful, mournful, pensive, downhearted, miserable, anxious
Cornish (Kernewek)	trist = sad, mournful
Breton (Brezhoneg)	trist = sad

Etymology: from Latin trīstis (sad, unhappy, melancholy, morose), from Proto-Indo-European *tréystis (stubborn, in a bad mood) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Happy & fortunate

6th October 20185th November 2023 By Simon

Words for happy, forunate and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*sognāwos = well-grown
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sona [ˈsona] = happy, fortunate sonaide = prosperous, fortunate, happy, lucky
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sona = prosperous, fortunate, lucky sonaide = prosperous, fortunate, happy, lucky sonaige = happiness sonann = properous land
Irish (Gaeilge)	sona [ˈsˠʊn̪ˠə] = happy, lucky, fortunate sonaídeach = easy, untroubled sonas = happiness, good luck, good fortune sonasach = happy, lucky, fortunate
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sona [sɔnə] = content, happy sonas [sɔnəs] = happiness, contentment
Manx (Gaelg)	sonney = affluent, lucky, fortunate, happy

Etymology: from Proto-European *ǵneh₃- (to recognise, know) [source]. Words from the same root include gnomon (a pointer on a sundail), ignore, noble, normal, glory in English, the Irish word gnúis (face) in Irish, gnùis (face) in Scottish Gaelic, and gnis (jaw, chin, face) in Welsh [source].

Proto-Celtic	*lowenos = merry, joyful
Gaulish	Lawenos = name*
Proto-Brythonic	*llowen = happy
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llauen, llewyn, llawen = merry, jovial, glad, cheerful, happy llawena, llawenu = to make happy, gladden, cheer, delight llawenhau, llywenhav, lawenhäu = to rejoice, be/make joyful
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llawen [ˈɬau̯ɛn / ˈɬau̯an] = merry, jovial, glad, cheerful, happy, blithe, joyful, joyous, jubilant; bringing happiness, pleasant, delightful llawenaf, llawenau = to make happy, gladden, cheer, delight llawenaidd = glad, cheerful, happy, pleasant, delightful llawender = gladness, happiness, joy llawenhaf, llawenhau = to rejoice, be joyful, be/make glad, be joyous, exult, be cheerful, gladden, cheer (up), hearten llawenol = glad, cheerful, happy, jubilant
Old Cornish	louen = happy
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lowen = glad, joyful, merry loweneder = joy, mirth lowene, lowené = joy, bliss, gladness, mirth lowenec, lowenek = glad, joyful, merry lowenhe, lowenhé = to cause, rejoice, make/be glad, gladden, comfort
Cornish (Kernewek)	lowen [‘lɔwɛn / ‘lu:ɐn] = glad, happy lowenek [lɔ’wɛnɛk / lə’wɛnɐk] = cheerful, gay, happy, joyful, merry lowena = bliss, cheer, happiness, joy lowender = mirth lowenek = cheerful, happy, joyful, merry lowenhe = to rejoice, delight, make happy
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	louen, laouen = happy, cheerful, cordial, warm louenhat, louenhaff = to become more cheerful, rejoice
Breton (Brezhoneg)	laouen [ˈlɔwːɛn] = happy; willingly, gladly laouenaat = to rejoice, satisfy laouenek = friendly, convival

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *leh₂w- (to seize, gain, benefit, prize) [source]. Words from the same roots include golud (wealth, riches) in Welsh, luach (value, price, reward) in Irish, lucre and galore in English, and lön (reward, salary, wage) in Swedish [source].

The Welsh word hapus [ˈhapɨ̞s/ˈhapɪs] (happy, cheerful, blessed, satisfactory, fortunate, successful, prosperous) comes from English hap (chance, fortune, luck, fortuitous event), from Middle English hap(pe) (chance, luck, fortune), from Old English ġehæp (fit, convenient) and/or Old Norse happ (chance, good luck) [source].

Quick, Fast & Lively

6th October 201818th August 2024 By Simon

Words for quick, fast, crazy, lively, ready and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tap = sudden tapad = suddenness, haste, quickness, bravery tapaid = quick, swift, active
Irish (Gaeilge)	tapa [ˈt̪ˠapˠə] = quick(ness), ready, active, speed, vigour tapaigean = sudden start, spring, jump, mishap tapaigh = to quicken, grasp quickly tapaíoch = quick, active, alert person tapaíocht = quickness, activeness, alertness tapóg = tendency to jump, nerviness, sudden impulse tapógach = jumpy, nervy, impulsive
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tapadh [tahbəɣ] = cleverness, smartness, thanks, alertness, feat, achievement tapadh leat/leibh = thank you tapaidh [tahbɪ] = clever, smart, brave, heroic, active, vigorous all-tapadh = mishap, accident, misfortune
Manx (Gaelg)	tappee = fast, hasty, quick, rapid, speedy, swift tappeeid= quickness, rapidity, speed tappeeys = quickness, rapidity, speed, nimbleness

Etymology: uncertain

Old Irish (Goídelc)	opunn = fast, prompt, quick
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	opunn, obunn, opund, topund = quick, swift, prompt, hasty, precipitate
Irish (Gaeilge)	tobann [ˈt̪ˠɔbˠən̪ˠ] =sudden, unexpected, hasty, impulsive, quick-tempered
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	obann [obən̪ˠ] = sudden, unexpected gu h-obann = suddenly

Etymology: uncertain

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ellam, ollam, ullam = quick, ready, soon, speedy
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ellam, ollam, ullam = quick, prompt, speedy, soon, readily, ready, prepared, finished, complete ellma = speed, rapidity, promptness, speedily, soon, prompty, soon enough, ready, prepared ellmaigid = to prepare, make ready
Irish (Gaeilge)	ullamh [ˈɔl̪ˠəvˠ/ˈʊl̪ˠuː] = ready, willing, prompt, prepared, predisposed inclined, finished ullmhacht = readiness, preparedness ullmhaigh = to make ready, prepare ullmhaitheach = preparative ullmhaitheoir = preparer ullmhú = preparation ullmhúchán = preparative, preparation
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ullamh [ul̪ˠəv] = done, finished, ready, prepared, mature, handy, prone to ullamhachadh [ul̪ˠəvəxəɣ] = preparing, getting ready, preparation, arranging, arrangement, providing, provision ullamhachd [ul̪ˠəvəxg] = readiness, preparedness, proneness, aptitude, aptness
Manx (Gaelg)	ullee = conversant, operational, prepared, ready

Etymology: from Old Irish ar (for, on), fo- (under, sub-) and lám (arm, hand) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	mer = crazy meraige = crazy person, fool
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mer = demented, crazy, wild, rash meraige = a muddle-headed or scatter-brained person; aberration, derangement
Irish (Gaeilge)	mear [mʲaɾˠ] = quick, fast, nimble, lively, spirited; precipitate, hasty, rash; quick-tempered, fiery; mad, crazy; furious, raging, angry mearadh = madness, insanity, craze, craving mearaí = crazed person, distracted, bewildered, person, craziness, distraction, bewilderment mearaigh = to derange, distract, bewilder, confuse, to become distracted mearaitheoir = distracter, bewilderer, infuriating person.
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	mear [mɛr] = merry, joyful, frisky, lively mearachas [mɛrəxəs] = mirth, merriment mearachd [mɛrəxg] = merriness mearaiche = droll / merry person
Manx (Gaelg)	merre [mɛr] = frenzy
Welsh (Cymraeg)	miri = merry, gay, fun, merriment, mirth, tumult, fuss, bother, predicament miriman = fool, clown, wild and unruly person miriol = merry, gay

Etymology: possibly from English merry, or Middle English mery (happy, joyful, pleased), from Old English myrġe (pleasant, attractive, enjoyable), from Proto-West Germanic *murgī (short, slow, leisurely), from Proto-Germanic *murgijaz/*murguz (short, brief slow, leisurely), from Proto-Indo-European *mréǵʰus (short, brief) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*lim-ā- = to sharpen, polish
Old Irish (Goídelc)	límaid = to polish, sharpen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	límaid, límad = sharpens, grinds, polishes límtha = sharpened, burnished, keen, polished, fluent límugud = act of sharpening
Irish (Gaeilge)	líomh [mʲaɾˠ] = to grind, sharpen, file, smooth, polish, erode, destroy líomhadh = to grind, polish, erosion, destruction líomhadóir = grinder, filer, polisher líomhán = file
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lìomh [l̪ʲiəv] = polish, gloss, burnish, refinement
Manx (Gaelg)	shleeu = to grind, sharpen, whet, grinding, sharpening shleeuan = file shleeuee = grinder
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llim, llym, lem = sharp, pointed, keen, harsh, shill, quick, swift lllymu = to whet, file, sharpen llymaidd = sharp, keen, piercing, harsh, severe, eager, ardent llymder = sharpness, keenness, harshness, severity cyflym, kyflym = quick, swift, speedy, brisk, quick-witted, intelligent, ready, clever, sharp, keen, acute kymlymder, cyflymdra = swiftness, quickness, rapidity
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llym [ɬɨ̞m/ɬɪm] = sharp, pointed, keen, harsh, shill, quick, swift llymaf, llymu = to whet, file, sharpen, speak severly llymaidd = sharp, keen, piercing, harsh, severe, eager, ardent llymder = sharpness, keenness, harshness, severity cyflym = quick, swift, speedy, brisk, quick-witted, intelligent, ready, clever, sharp, keen, acut cyflymaf, cyflymu = to quicken, accelerate, hasten, expedite cyflymder = swiftness, quickness, rapidity
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lemma, leamn, lemen, lemmen, lemyn, lemmyn, lymmyn = to sharpen, whet
Cornish (Kernewek)	lymm, lebm = sharp, acute, keen, piercing, insightful llymma = to sharpen
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	lem, lemm = sharp, pointed, acute lemaff, lemmaff = to sharpen, make sharp lemder = acuity lemer = sharpener
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lemm = pointed, sharp, acute lemmañ, lemmiñ = to sharpen, make sharp lemmded = acuity lemmell = sharp lemmerez = sharpener lemmet = sharp(ened), keen, pointed

Etymology: probably from PIE *sley- (smooth, slick, sticky), or from Latin līma (file), from the same PIE root [source]. Words from the same roots include slime in English, and llif (saw) in Welsh [source].

Proto-Celtic	*bīwonos = ?
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	buan= fast, swift, rapid buander = quickness, alacrity, swiftness, speed buaned, buanez = quickness, swiftness, speed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	buan [ˈbɨː.an/ˈbiː.an] = fast, swift, rapid yn fuan = soon mor fuan â phosibl = as soon as possible buanaf, buanu = to accelerate, hasten, move swiftly buander = quickness, alacrity, swiftness, speed buanedd = quickness, swiftness, speed
Cornish (Kernewek)	buan = lively, quick
Old Breton	buenion = quck, fast
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	buan = quck, fast
Breton (Brezhoneg)	buan = quick, fast buanaat = to accelerate buanaer = accelerater buanded = speed, rapidity

Etymology: probably from Proto-Celtic *biwos ((alive, living, mortal) from PIE *gʷeyh₃- (to live) [source]. Words for life and food come from the same roots, as do English words such as bioology, quick, vital, vivid and zoo [source].

Proto-Brythonic	*parọd = ready, prepared
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	paraut, paravt, parawt = ready, prepared, arranged, quick, prompt, immediate, sudden, nimble, easy, available, convenient paroded = readiness, prepardness, willingness parotruyd, parodrwyd = readiness, willingness embaratoi, ymbarot(t)oi = to prepare (oneself), provide oneself with necessities
Welsh (Cymraeg)	parod [ˈpa(ː)rɔd] = ready, prepared, arranged, ready-made, instant (coffee, etc), quick, prompt, immediate, sudden, nimble, easy, available, convenient, absolute, downright parodaf, parodi = to make ready, prepare parodrwdd = readiness, willingness paratoi [paraˈtɔi̯] = to prepare ymbaratoi = to prepare (oneself), provide oneself with necessities
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	parys = ready
Old Cornish	parot = prepared, ready
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	parys = prepared, ready parusy = to make ready, prepare
Cornish (Kernewek)	parys = conventient, handy, ready pareusi, paruji = to cook, edit, make ready, prepare ombareusi, ombaruji = to get ready, prepare oneself
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	paret = cooked, boiled paredet = cooked, boiled pareiff = to boil, cook
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pared [ˈpɑː.rɛt] = cooked, boiled paredigezh = heat wave paredin, parediñ = to cook paredus = heating

Etymology: from Latin parātus ((alive, living, mortal) from PIE parō (I prepare), from PIE *perh₃-o (providing), from *perh₃- (to grant) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include pare (to remove the outer covering or skin of something with a cutting device) in English, paràre (to adorn, protect, shield) in Italian, parar (to stop, put up, lift, raise) in Spanish [source] and words for grace and favour in Celtic languages.

For other words for quick see the Celtiadur posts: Early and Soon

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Bad

5th October 20183rd November 2023 By Simon

Words for bad and related things in Celtic languages.

Good

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*drukos = bad
Gaulish	druco- = bad
Old Irish (Goídelc)	droch [drox] = bad, ill
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	droch = bad
Irish (Gaeilge)	droch [drɔx] = bad, poor, evil, ill, un- drochbhéas = vice, bad habit drochmheas = contempt drochobair = bad work, mischief drochrath = ill luck, misfortune drochrud = bad thing, inferior thing, bad/evil person, devil drochrún = evil intention drochuair = evil hour, unfortunate occasion
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	droch [drɔx] = bad, evil, wicked, mischievous, sad, calamitous, dark, obscure, secretive droch-aigne = ill-will droch-allaidh = libel droch-chòrdadh = disagreement droch-fhàistinneach = ominous droch-mhèin = malice droch-thuarach = sinister
Manx (Gaelg)	drogh [drɔx] = evil, wicked, bad, abusive, unenviable, misfortune, badness, ill, sinister, vile drogh aghtalys = misbehaviour, misconduct drogh chaaynt = bad language, smut, swearing drogh chonagh = misfortune drogh hraghtey = to smuggle, smuggling drogh oor = bad luck, ill-times, misfortune
Proto-Brythonic	*drug = bad
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	druc, dryg, drỽc, drwc = bad drycaruer , drygarver, drycarver = bad habit, abuse, misuse drygdafod = scurrilous language, evil tongue
Welsh (Cymraeg)	drwg [druːɡ] = bad, rotten, putrid; poor, piteous, wretched; sorry, grievous, sad; unfavourable, causing disquiet; injurious, harmful; unpleasant (taste); indecent, obscene (words); counterfeit, false; bad; harsh, cruel, severe, ruthless; corrupt, depraved, sinful, wicked, mischievous, naughty strong>drwgabsen = malicious defamation, slander drwgafer = bad habit, abuse, misuse drwgdafod = scurrilous language, evil tongue drwgenwog = infamous, notorious, disreputable
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	droc, drôg, drog = evil, wickedness, harm, injury, wrong, bad, wicked, hurtful, mischievous droca, droga = worst drocoleth = an evil deed, ill doing, injury, damage droga, droaga = to do harm, hurt, injure drogbrederys = evil-minded, malicious, envious drogbres = ill will, spite, grudge drogdavasec = ill-tongued, foul-mouthed, back-biting, reviling drogger = ill report, infamy, reproach droggeriit = infamous, reproachful droggras = revenge, requital drogober, drôk-ober = an evil deed, a crime
Cornish (Kernewek)	drog [drɔ:g / dro:g] = bad, harm, hurt, ill, wrong, evil, invalid, nasty, naughty, wicked, wrong drogdybi = to suspect drogedh = vice drogfara = to behave badly drogga = wrong droghandla = to abuse, mishandle droglam = accident, crash, mishap drogober = crime drogboeror, drogoberores criminal, culprit drogura = to smear drokoleth = widkedness drokter = wickedness
Middle Breton (Brezoneg)	drouc = bad, illness, anger drouc Ælez = the devil, bad angel drouc auantur = misfortune, bad luck droucyez, drouguyez = wickedness, malice, animosity drouc = drouc =
Breton (Brezhoneg)	drouk [druːk] = bad, evil, naughty droug [druːk] = bad, wickedness drougiezh [druˈɡiːɛs] = wickedness, malice, animosity droukrañsus [druˈɡrãsːys] = angry, resentful droukaat = to become bad, make bad drouziwezh [dru.ˈziː.wɛs] = defeat, disaster dizrouk [ˈdi.zruk] = inoffensive, without anger

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *dʰrewgʰ- (to deceive) [source]. Word from the same roots include dream in English, droom (dream) and driegen (to deceive) in Dutch, Traum (dream) and trügen (to deceive, be deceptive) in German [source].

Proto-Celtic	*dognawos = badly grown (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dona [ˈdona] = unlucky, unfortunate
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dona = unfortunate, unlucky, wretched donaide = ill-disposed, wretched donán = miserable creature, wretch donas = ill-luck, misfortune, calamity donogad = act of making wretched
Irish (Gaeilge)	dona [ˈd̪ˠɔn̪ˠə/ˈd̪ˠʌnˠə] = unfortunate, unlucky, bad, poor, wretched, ill donacht = badness, wretchedmess, misfortune, illness donagar = bad condition, misfortune donaigh = to make worse, aggravate, become word, deteriorate, injure, maim donaire = wretch donaireacht = wretchedness donaisín = little wretch, weakling donas = ill-luck, misfortune, affliction, misery, mischief
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dona [dɔnə] = bad, not well donachas [dɔnəxəs] = mischief, harm, bad luck, mishap, devil donachd [dɔnəxg] = mischief, harm, bad luck, mishap donad [dɔnəd] = degree of badness, severity donadas [dɔnədəs] = badness, evil donas [dɔnəs] = mischief, harm, bad luck, devil donasag [dɔnəsag] = imp
Manx (Gaelg)	donney [ɔlk] = calamitous, ill-advised, inauspicious, unfortunate, unlucky, very ill, woeful, unhappy donnan = dolt, dunce, stupid person, worse donnys = affliction, bad luck, mischief, woe

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵneh₃- (to recognise, know) [source]. Words from the same root include can, canny, gnome, ignore, know and quaint in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ulkos = evil, bad
Old Irish (Goídelc)	olc [olk] = bad, evil olcas = badness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	olc, olcc = evil, bad, wrong, misfortune olcach = hurtful, injurious, harm, injury olcas = badness
Irish (Gaeilge)	olc [ɔl̪ˠk] = evil, harm, bad, harmful, poor, wretched, ill-disposed, hardly, scarcely olcach = causing evil, harmful, injurious. olcas = badness, evil, bad state, bad nature, spite
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	olc [ɔl̪ˠxg] = evil, wicked, bad, infamous, ill, iniquity olcag [ɔl̪ˠxgag] = little brat (female) olcair [ɔl̪ˠxgɛrʲ] = evildoer olcas [ɔl̪ˠxgəs] = wickedness, badness
Manx (Gaelg)	olk [ɔlk] = bad, evil, ill, injury, lousy, truculence, unfavourable, vicious, wicked, mischief, naughty, sinful olkeyr = criminal, culprit, evil-doer, offender, mischief-maker olkid = badness, evilness olkys = badness, evilness, iniquity, mischief olkyssagh = baleful, elfish, diabolical, iniquitous, malicious, malignant, mischievous, naughty, vicious, wicked

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁elḱ- (bad [?]) [source]. Words from the same root include ill and possibly ulcer in English, illa (badly, poorly, not well) in Swedish, and ilkeä (bad, mean, wicked, evil) in Finnish [source].

Good

3rd October 201820th October 2023 By Simon

Words for good and related things in Celtic languages.

Good

Proto-Celtic	*matis = good
Old Irish (Goídelc)	maith [maθʲ] = good maithe = goodness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	maith, maid = good, profiable, excellent, fitness, proficiency, wealth
Irish (Gaeilge)	maith [mˠa(h) / mˠaɪ(h)] = good; goodness, kindness; good things; fertility maithe = goodness, good maitheamh = forgiveness, pardon, abatement, remission maitheas = goodness, good, good thing, kindness, gift maitheasach = good, useful, kind, obliging maitheasaí = good worker maithiúnas = forgiveness, pardon
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	math [mah] = good, well maitheadh = forgiving, pardoning maitheas = goodness maitheanas = forgiveness, pardon maitheamhnas = forgiveness
Manx (Gaelg)	mie [maɪ] = good, nice, moral, fair, pious, ready, goodness, favourable, virtuous, virtue, goodly mienys = favourableness, good, goodness
Proto-Brythonic	*mad = good
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mad, mat [maːd] = fortunate, lucky, good, etc matweith, madwaith = good work, goodness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mad [maːd] = fortunate, lucky, auspicious, happy, suitable, proper, good, beneficial, holy, fair, pleasant, beautiful, goodness, fairness, benefit, good deed, kindness madedd = goodness, generosity, bounteousness madog = good man, good, just, righteous madol = fair, good, beneficial madwaith = good work, goodness madwr = benefactor, patron
Old Cornish	mad = good
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	mas, mat, mâs, mâd = good, beneficial
Cornish (Kernewek)	mas [ma:z / mæ:z] = good, respectable, moral, virtuous maseth = morality
Old Breton	mat = good
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	mat, mad = good
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mat, mad [mɑːt/maːd] = good, good product, moral, well (done), sweet madek = wealthy, gentle, soft madelezh = kindness, benevolence madelezhus = beneficent, generous madig = sweet, bonbon madoberer = benefactor, patron mataat = to improve, moralize demat [deˈmɑːt] = hello, good day demata = to greet, say hello peurvat [ˈpør.vat] = perfect

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *meh₂tis (ripe, good), from *meh₂- (to ripen, to mature) [source].

Words from the same roots include demure and mature in English, matin (morning) and mûr (mature, ripe) in French, and , mañana (tomorrow, soon, morning) and maduro (mature, ripe) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*dagos = good
Gaulish	dagos = good
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dag- = good
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dag = good, well
Irish (Gaeilge)	dea- [dʲa/ dʲeː] = good, well dea-bhéasach = well-mannered, well-behaved dea-chruthach = well-shaped, shapely, handsome dea-dhéanta = well-made, of good figure, physique
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	deagh [dʲoː] = good, fine, nice, pretty, rather well deagh-rùn = good intention deagh-aithnichte = well-known deagh-chliù = good reputation, fame deagh-spiorad = good spirit deagh-ghean = goodwill, benevolence
Proto-Brythonic	*daɣ = good
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dá, da = good, beneficial, acceptable, suitable, useful daeoni, dayoni, daioni = goodness, uprightness, graciousness, kindness, bravery daionvs, daionus, dayonus = good, beneficial, bountiful, kind, loving, gracious
Welsh (Cymraeg)	da [daː] = good, beneficial, acceptable, suitable, useful daeder = goodness, quality, of goodness daionedd = goodness, benefit daioni = goodness, uprightness, graciousness, kindness, bravery daionus = good, beneficial, bountiful, kind, loving, gracious daionusrwydd = goodness daionuster = goodness, beneficence, benefit
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	da = good dader = goodness, excellence
Cornish (Kernewek)	da [da:] = good da lowr = alright, mediocre, OK, passable da-ober = good deed dader = goodness mellyer/melyores dader = do-gooder
Old Breton	da = good
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	da = good
Breton (Brezhoneg)	da [da] = pleasant, agreeable, satifactory; good (archaic)

Etymology: related to the Proto-Indo-European *déḱos (that which is proper), from *deḱ- (to take, perceive) [source].

Words from the same roots include dech (best) in Old Irish and dainty, decent, decor, dignity, docile doctor and dogma in English [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Left & North

3rd October 201821st October 2023 By Simon

Words for left, north and related words in Celtic languages.

Left & North

Words marked * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	kliyos = left (hand) uɸokliyom = north
Old Irish (Goídelc)	clé = left fochlae = the north, seat of honor
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	clé = left fochla = the north, seat of honour
Irish (Gaeilge)	clé [clʲeː / clʲiː] = left, left hand, left-hand side clébhord = port, larbord
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	clì [kliə] = left clì-làmhach = left-handed làmh chlì = left hand, left wing (in politics) clè [kleː] = left, left-handed, mistaken, wrong, lar-board, sinister (in heraldry)
Manx (Gaelg)	clee = left. leftist skian clee = left wing cleeid = left handedness
Proto-Brythonic	kleð = left, northern gwogleð [ɡwoˈɡlɛːð] = north
Old Welsh	cled = left hand, left side gogled = north
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cled, kled = left, left hand, left side argled = left, unlucky, unfortunate guocled, goglet, gogled, gogledd = north
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cledd [kleːð] = left, left hand/side argledd = left, unlucky, unfortunate gogledd = north, northern, northerly, North Wales, north wind
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cledh, clêdh = left, north cledhec = left-handed dorn-kledh = left-handed
Cornish (Kernewek)	kledh [klɛ:ð / kle:ð] = left, left-handed, northern kledhbarth = north Kledhbarthyas, Kledhbarthyades = Northerner kledhek = awkward, clumsy, left-handed kledhek hy thowlow / y dowlow = impractical gogledh = north a-gledh = on the left a-gledh dhe = to the left of a-gledhbarth = on the north side
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	cleiz = left
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kleiz [klɛj(s)] = left, north, northern, irrascible kleizell = left kleizenn = north wind kleiziad – left-handed, left-hander kleizour = left winger a-gleiz [aˈɡlɛj(s)] = to the left gougleiz, gouglez [ˈɡuɡlɛj(s)] = north (archaic)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱléyteh₂ (leaning, sloped, inclined) from *ḱley- (to lean, incline) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include clement, client, climate, climax, clinic, ladder and to lean in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*(s)kīttos = left, left-handed, clumsy, awkward, wrong, sinister, sad
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cittach = left-handed, awkward
Irish (Gaeilge)	ciotach [ˈcɪt̪ˠəx / ˈcɪt̪ˠa(h)] = left-handed, awkward, clumsy, difficult, troublesome, inconvenient ciotachán = left-handed person, awkward, clumsy person ciotóg = left hand, left fist, lefthanded person ciotógach = left-handed, left-fisted, awkward
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ciotach [kʲihdəx] = left-handed, awkward, sinister ciotachan = left-handed person
Manx (Gaelg)	kiuttag = left hand kyttagh = left-handed kiuttaght = left-handedness
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	chwith, hwidd = left, left-handed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	chwith [χwiːθ] = left; left-handed, awkward, bungling, uncouth, unfortunate, sinister, sad, strange, unaccustomed, unusual, wrong, amiss; the left (hand); the Left chwithig = left, left-handed; strange, awkward, clumsy, bungling, wrong, inauspicious, unpleasant, suspicious chwithlyd = sinister, chilly gochwith, go chwith = contrary, opposite, inside out, clumsy, awkward, left-handed; evil, mishap, misfortune

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *skh₂ey- (left) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*towto = left, north
Old Irish (Goídelc)	túaid, thúaid = north, in the north túaidemain = in the north, northwards fa thuaith, fo thuaidh = northwards, to the north
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	túaid, thúaid = north, in the north, northern, northwards túaidebar = the north túaidemain = in the north túaiscert = the north, the left, northerly túaiscertach = northern, left hand, a northerner atúaid = from the north, to the north of
Irish (Gaeilge)	thuaidh [huəɟ / huə / huəj] = (in the) north, northern ó thuaidh = to the north, northwards aduaidh = from the north tuaisceart = north, northern part Tuaisceart Éireann = Northern Ireland tuaisceartach = Northerner, northern, awkward to deal with, surly, rude tuaisceartacht = awkwardness, surliness, rudeness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tuath [tuə] = north gu tuath = northward(s) tuathach [tuəhəx] = northerner, person from North Uist; northerly, northern, boreal tuathal = anti-clockwise, unlucky, ill-omended, confused, agitated, disorientated tuathar = place with a northerly aspect, land facing north tuathlach = unlucky, awkward, left-handed
Manx (Gaelg)	twoaie = north, northerly, northern, boreal, northward twoaieagh = northerner, northsider, northern (Manx) person goal twoaie = rainbow (“going north”) my hwoaie = north, northerly, northward Nerin Hwoaie = Northern Ireland
Old Breton	tut = good, favorable tuthe = a kind of demon

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *tewto- or *tewH- (to look favorably, protect, observe). Cognate with the Latin tūtus (safe, prudent, secure, protected), which is the root of English words like tutor and intuition [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Right & South

2nd October 201821st October 2023 By Simon

Words for right & south in Celtic languages.

Right & South

Proto-Celtic	dexswos = right (side*), south
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dess = right (side), right-hand; south; right, just; convenient, agreeable desse = right side, rightness andess = (from the) south
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	dess = right, right hand (side), south, just, meet, well-arranged, neat, pretty, fine desse = the right side, right hand, rightness, fairness dessebar = the south, southern aspect dessel = direction of the sun, right-hand course, sunwise andess = from the right, from the south
Irish (Gaeilge)	deas [dʲasˠ / dʲæsˠ] = south, southerly, to the south; right, right-hand deasach = right-handed, suitable for use with right hand deaslámh = right hand deaslámhach = right-handed, dexterous, handy deaslámhaí = handiness, dexterity deasóg = right hand, right fist, right-handed punch
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	deas [dʲes] = south; southern; right (side); ready, finished; accomplished, expert, skilful; active, alert, quick, snappy; to hand, handy; clever, sharp; deft, dexterous deasach [dʲesəx] = southerly, southern, southerner deasag [dʲesag] = right hand deasail [dʲesal] = clockwise deasad [dʲesad]= neatness, readiness deasalt [dʲesəl̪ˠd] = clockwise/sunwise turn deasalachd [dʲesəl̪ˠəxg] = readiness, convenience, dexterity
Manx (Gaelg)	jesh = rightwing, righthand, starboard, nice, smart, felicitous, elegant, ready, tidy, groomed, adept, neat, seemly, becoming, suitable, fancy, trim jiass [d͡ʒas] = south, southern, southerly, southward jeshag = righthander, right-handed blow jeshagh = illumination, right-handed blow jeshid = applicability, elegance, neatness, propriety, right-handedness, seemliness, smartness, suitability, tidiness neearass = southwest niar ass = southeast niass = southerly cheu-jiass = southward
Proto-Brythonic	*dexow = right, southern
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dehev, deheu, deau = right, south, southern, right (hand, side) dehau ddwyrain = southeast deau-’orllewyn, deheûorllewin = southwest Dehaubarth = the medieval kingdom of South Wales dehevbôl = south pole deheuec = dexterous, skilful, adroit, right dehevawl = south, southern, of the south, austral, facing southwards
Welsh (Cymraeg)	deau = right, south, southern de [deː] = south; dexterous, skilful, clever; ready; useful, handy; suitable, appropriate, proper, right, just; favourable, auspicious de(au)-ddwyrain = southeast de(au)-orllewin- = southwest Dehaubarth = South Wales, the medieval kingdom of South Wales, southern part Dehaubarth Cymru (Newydd) = (New) South Wales deheubol = south pole deheuder, deheudra = dexterity, adroitness, cleverness deheueg = dexterous, skilful, adroit, right; South Welsh dialect deheuol = south, southern, of the south, austral, facing southwards
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dehou, dyhow, dyow = right, south dehoules = southernwood
Cornish (Kernewek)	dyghow [dɪ’hɔʊ / də’hɔʊ] = south, right-handed, southern, right dyghow dhuryen = southeast dyghow orlewin = southwest dyghowbarth = south
Old Breton	dehou, deou = right, south
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dehou, deho, dehaou = right, south dehouyat, deouiad = right-handed
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dehou [ˈde(h).u] = right, south dehouiad = right-handed dehoubarzh = southern zone a-zehou = to the right

Etymology
From Proto-Indo-European *deḱswo-, from *deḱs- (right-hand side) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include dexterity, dextrose and (ambi)dextrous in English, diestro (right, right-handed, skillful, dextrous) in Spanish, and destro (clever, able, right, right-hand) in Italian [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Narrow

2nd October 201824th September 2023 By Simon

Words for narrow and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*koilos = thin
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cáel, cóel = thin, slender, narrow, fine, delicate, strait cáelán = intestine
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cáel, cóel, cóil = thin slender, narrow, fine, nice, delicate, subtle, exact cáelán, caolan = intestine, gut cáelas = narrows, strait
Irish (Gaeilge)	caol [keːl̪ˠ / kiːlˠ] = thin, slender; fine; narrow; shrill; slender; palatalized; weak, dilute; slight; subtle caolach =osiers, twigs, wicker-/wattle-work caoladán = thin person, thing caoladóir = wicker-worker, basker-maker caolaigh = to become thin, narrow, reduce, dilute caolán = creek, small intestine, catgut caolas = strait, narrows, narrow place, bottleneck
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	caol [kɯːl̪ˠ] = narrow, slender; slim, thin, lean, skinny; lanky caolan = colon, intestine, entrail(s), gut(s) caolanach = colonic, intestinal caolraid = alley, vennel, wynd caolaich = make slender, slenderise caolachadh = (act of) narrowing, slenderisation caolas = narrow(s), strait caoladair = wickerworker
Manx (Gaelg)	keyl [keːl] = thin, fine, attenuated, lanky, lean, slim, slight, willowy, gracile, tapered, slender, hairline, narrow, spare, small, drawn out, watery (soup), weak (solution) keyllaghey = narrow (down), narrowing keyley = narrowing, slenderize, thin keylagh = to attenuate, attenuation, slenderize, thin, thinning
Proto-Brythonic	*kʉl = narrow
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cul, kul = narrow, lean culaidd, culedd = narrowish, restricted culhau, kulhau = to become narrow, shrink
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cul [kɨːl / ˈkiːl] = narrow, lean, illibera,; bigoted, narrow-minded culaidd = narrowish, restricted culder, culdra = narrowness, leanness culdir = isthmus, narrow strip of land culfa = strait, narrow place, narrow passage culhaf, culhau = to become narrow, shrink, lose fat
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cul = narrow, strait culurionein, kylyrion = the bowel
Cornish (Kernewek)	kul [ky:l / ki:l] = narrow kuldremenva = corridor
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kul = narrow

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *koyHlo- or *skey- (to dissect, split) [source].

The word kyle, which appears in placenames such as Kyle of Lochalsh (Caol Loch Aillse) is an English version of the Scottish Gaelic caol [source].

Another word for narrow in Breton is strizh [ˈstriːs], which comes from the Latin strictus (tightened, compressed). The English words strict and strait come from the same root [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Low

1st October 201810th September 2023 By Simon

Words for low and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸīsselos = low
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ísel [ˈiːsʲel] = low ísle – lowness ísligidir = to lower, to humble
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	isil, ísel = low, low-laying, of low stature, hollow, the depths ísle – lowness, lowliness, humility, meanness, depression ísligidir = lower, brings, low, humbles
Irish (Gaeilge)	íseal [ˈiːʃəlˠ] = low, low-lying, lowly person ísealaicme = lower class, lower order ísealchéim = low step, low rank, low degree ísealchríoch = low land
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ìosal [iəsəl̪ˠ] = low, humble, mean lowly os ìosal = secret, covert, quietly gu h-ìosal = below ìseal [iːʃəl̪ˠ] = low, commoner
Manx (Gaelg)	ishil = low injil = low, low-necked, low-lying, low-level, low down, low-built, low-pitched, low-grade, common (vulgar), depressed, subdued, subaltern inshley = lower, minimum, nether injilaghey = to change down, condescend, cut down, depress, humiliate
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	isel, issel = low iselir, isely, iselu = to make low, lower iselder = lowness, meekness, modesty, humility iselfryd, issel-fryd, isel-fryd = humble-minded, meek, lowly, modest
Welsh (Cymraeg)	isel [ˈɨ̞sɛl / ˈiːsɛl / ˈɪsɛl] = low, low down, low-lying, low-flying; lower than the average or usual level, running low, shallow (water, lake) iselaf, iselu = to make low, lower, debase, disparage, subdue iselder = lowness, meekness, modesty, humility; depth Iseldiroedd = the Netherlands Iseldiraidd = Dutch (adj) Iseldireg = Dutch (language) isel(-)fryd = humble-minded, meek, lowly, modest
Middle Cornish (CerneweC)	isel, yssel, ysel = low, humble, lowly iseldor = the lowest or deepest part, the bottom isella = lowest
Cornish (Kernewek)	isel [‘izɛl / ‘izɐl] = low, modest, vulgar; soft Iseldiryek = Dutch (language) iseldiryek = Dutch (adj) Iseldiryow = the Netherlands iselhe = to decrease, lower iselheans = decrease, lowering iselella = inferior, lower, lowest iselweyth = depression
Old Breton	isel = low
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	jsel, isel = low, humble izellât, iseléet, izelaat = to lower, go down izelec, izelleq = modest, poor, humble
Breton (Brezhoneg)	izel = low izelaat = to lower, go down izelder = baseness, base act izelegezh = humility, modesty izelek = modest izelenn = depression izelfenn = to imply

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European pedsú, from *pṓds (foot), from *ped- (to walk, step) [source].

Words from the same roots include síos (down, downwards) in Irish, shìos (down, below) in Scottish Gaelic, sheese (below, down, downward) in Manx, is (under, underneath, beneath, below, lower than) in Welsh, a-is (below, lower) in Cornish, is (under, below, inferior) in Breton, foot in English, and pied (foot) in French [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

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