Blessings

26th March 2024 By Simon

Words for blessing, benediction and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*bendixtyū = blessing, benediction
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bendacht [ˈbʲen͈daxt] = blessing, benediction bennachaid = to bless, greet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bennacht, bendacht, beandacht = blessing bennach = act of blessing, a blessing bennachaid [ˈbʲen͈axɨðʲ] = to bless
Irish (Gaeilge)	beannacht [bʲəˈn̪ˠaxt̪ˠ / ˈbʲan̪ˠəxt̪ˠ / ˈbʲan̪ˠa(h)t̪ˠ] = blessing, benediction beannachtach = (act of) calling down blessings, blessed, benign, prosperous beannaigh = to bless, greet beannaíocht = piety, sanctimony beannaithe = blessed, holy beannaitheach = beatific beannaitheacht = beatitude slán agus beannacht = goodbye and God bless beir beannacht = best wishes
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beannachd [bjan̪ˠəxg] = blessing, compliments beannachd leat/leibh = goodbye beannaich [bjan̪ʲɪçʲ] = bless you! (when sneezing) leis na beannachdan = with best wishes
Manx (Gaelg)	bannaght = blessing, greeting, compliments, salute bannaght ayd/eu = cheerio, adieu bannaghey = to bless, greet, salute, send off bannaghtagh = benedictory, blessing, greeter bannee = to bless, holy, saintly, blessed
Proto-Brythonic	bendɨxθ / bendiθ = blessing
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bendith = blessing bendithio = blessing
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bendith [ˈbɛndɪθ] = blessing, benediction, blessedness, boon, godsend, bliss, grace, praise, thanks bendith(i)af, bendith(i)o = to bless, consecrate, say grace, praise, glorify, thank bendithiad = the act of blessing, benediction, a blessing bendithiol = full of blessings, beneficial bendithiwr, bendithydd = blesser
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bennath, benneth, banneth = blessing
Cornish (Kernewek)	bennath, bednath = blessing benyga = to bless benygys = blessed, hallowed
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bennoez, bennoz = blessing, benediction
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bennozh [ˈbɛnːos] = blessing, benediction, thanks bennigañ [bɛˈniːɡã] = to bless bennigadenn = blessing, benediction

Etymology: from Latin benedictiō (blessing, benediction, extolling, praising), from benedicō (to speak well of sb, commend, bless, praise), from bene (well) *dīcō (speak)[source].

From the same roots we get words such as bension (blessing, benediction) and benediction in English, bénédiction (blessing, benediction) in French, and bendición (blessing) in Spanish [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Thin & Slender

5th March 2024 By Simon

Words for thin, slender and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*tanauyos = thin
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tana [ˈtane] = thin, slender tanacht = thinness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tana = thin, slender, narrow, shallow, sparse, scanty, scattered tanacht = thinness, tenuity, shallowness tanaide = subtle, abstract, thin, slender tanaigid = to thin (out), dilute
Irish (Gaeilge)	tanaí [t̪ˠəˈn̪ˠiː / ˈt̪ˠan̪ˠiː] = thin, shallow tanaigh = to thin, slim tanaíochan = thinning tanaíocht = thinness, sparseness, flimsiness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tana [tanə] = lean, slender, slim, thin, gaunt, skinny, shallow, flimsy tanalachd [tanəl̪ˠəxg] = shallows, shallowness tanach [tanəx] = narrow, slender tanachadh [tanəxəɣ] = thinning, makeing thinner, diluting tainead [tanəd] = degree of thinness tanlach [tanəl̪ˠəx] = shallow water, shallows, shoal, thin soil, epidermis tanachd [tanəxg] = thinness tanaichte [tanɪçdʲə] = diluted, thinned
Manx (Gaelg)	thanney = thin, watery, weak, flimsy, rare, shallow, slender, slim thannaghey = to dilute, liquefy, rarefy, reduce thannid = thinness, shallowness, leanness
Proto-Brythonic	*tanẹw = thin
Old Welsh	teneu = thin, slender, slim
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tenev, tenau, teneu = thin, slender, slim, flat, sparse, rare, tenuous, liquid, runny teneir = to make or become thin(ner) teneuder = thinness, leanness, slenderness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tenau [ˈtɛnaɨ̯ / ˈteːnai̯] = thin, slender, watery, thin, scarce, rare teneuaf, teneuo = to make or become thin(ner), lose weight, slim, dwindle, thin, dilute, water down teneuder = thinness, leanness, slenderness, rareness, scarcity, keenness teneudra = thinness, leanness, slenderness teneuedig = thin, thinned, diluted, depleted, rarefied teneuwr = dieter, weight-watcher, slimmer
Old Cornish	tenewen = thin
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tanow, tanaw = thin, slim, slender, lean, few, scarce tanowder = thinness, scantiness, scarcity
Cornish (Kernewek)	tanow = flimsy, lean, rare, scarce, sparse, tenuous, thin tanowder = rarity, scarcity, thinness tanowhe = to thin out
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tanau, tano = thin, fine
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tanav [ˈtãː.naw / ˈtãː.no] = thin, fine, fluid, rare, hypocritical tanavaat = (to be) refined, (to be) rarefied, to liquefy, dilute, weed & clear, cut (bread for soup) tanavded = tenuity, liquidity tanavder = tenuity, decay tanavenn = thin place (in fabric), sparse, liquid, emaciated, hypocritical

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ténh₂us (thin), from *tenh₂- (to stretch) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include thin and tenuous in English, tenú (tenuous, thin, slender) in French, dünn (thin, slender, slim) in German, and tenký (thin) in Czech [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Long Distance

28th February 202428th February 2024 By Simon

Words for long, far, distant and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*sīros = long
Gaulish	siros = long
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sír [sʲiːr] = lasting, constant
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sír = long, lasting, constant
Irish (Gaeilge)	síor- [ʃiːɾˠ / ʃiəɾˠ] = perpetual, continual, ever- síoraí = eternal, perpetual, unceasing, continual, constant, perservering síoraigh = to perpetuate síoraíocht = eternity, permanence, lastingness, constancy síorchaint = talking continually, never-ending talk
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sìor- [ʃiər̪] = continual(ly), perpetual(ly), incessant sìorrachd [ʃiərˠ̪əxg] = eternity siorraidh [ʃiər̪ʲɪ] = eternal, everlasting
Manx (Gaelg)	sheer- = continuous, perennial, endless, permanent, ever, continual, consant sheeraghey = to perpetuate sheer dy sheer = continually sheer-riaght = eternity
Proto-Brythonic	*hit [ˈhiːr] = long, tall
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	hir = long
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hir, huy, hwy = long, tall, lenghty, extensive, tedious hiraeth, hyreyth = grief or sadness after the lost or departed, longing, yearning, nostalgia hiraethu, hiraethav = to long, yearn, sorrow, grieve hirfaith, hirveith, hirueith, hir vaith = long, prolonged, vast, long-winded, tedious
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hir [hiːr] = long, tall, lenghty, extensive hiraeth [ˈhɪraɨ̯θ/ˈhiːrai̯θ] = grief or sadness after the lost or departed, longing, yearning, nostalgia, wistfulness, homesickness, earnest desire hiraethaf, hiraethu = to long, yearn, sorrow, grieve hirder = length, longitude hirhaf, hirhau = to lengthen, prolong, extend hirfaith = long, prolonged, vast, long-winded, tedious hirian = lanky person, tall slim fellow, gangrel, long, tall
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	hir, hŷr = long, tall, prolix, tedious, dilatory hirenath = a length of time, a long time, duration hireth, hyreth = longing, an earnest desire, regretting, regret hirgorn = trumpet
Cornish (Kernewek)	hir = long, tall hirder = length, tallness hireth = homesickness, longing, loneliness, nostalgia, yearning hirthek = homesick, longing, lonely, yearning hirhe = to lengthen hirneth = a very long time, tedium hirwelyek = long-sighted
Middle Breton	hyr, hir, hirr = long, far hirder = length, anxiety
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hir [ˈhiːr] = long, more hiraat [hiˈrɑːt] = to lengthen, lie down hiraezh [hi.ˈrɛːs] = impatience, haste, nostaligia, melancholy hiraezhus [hiˈrɛːzys] = impatient, nostaligic hirded [ˈhir.det] = length hirder [ˈhirdɛr] = length, anxiety hirnezh [ˈhirnəs] = length, boredom, melancholy hirvoudus [hirˈvuːdys] = lamentable, moaning, plaintive

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *seh₁-ró-s, from *seh₁- (long, lasting) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include menhir (a single tall standing stone as a monument) in English and French (borrowed from Breton maen-hir), soir (evening) in French, sedert (since) in Dutch, seit (since, for) in German, and hidas (slow, stupid) in Finnish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*siti- = length
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sith- = long
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sith- = long
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	hit = length
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hyt, hyd = length, height, duration hyduod = continuance, continuation
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hyd [hɨːd / hiːd] = length, height, duration, until, throughout, during hydaeth = length, longitude hydfod = continuance, continuation hydiog = lengthy, long, tall hydol = entire extent, total duration, the whole, entirety
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	hes, hês, heys, hŷs = longitude, length, duration
Cornish (Kernewek)	hys, hes = extent, length hys-ha-hys = altogether, end to end a-hys = along dhe-hys = at length
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	hit = length
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	het = length
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hed [ˈheːt] = length, longitude, ordered hedan, hedañ = to lengthen a-hed = along, throughout hed-ha-hed = all along

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *seh₁-tó- (lengthened), from *seh₁- (long, lasting) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	fota [ˈfoda] = long
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fota, fata = long, enduring
Irish (Gaeilge)	fad [fˠɑd̪] = length, distance, duration, extent fada [ˈfˠɑd̪ˠə / ˈfˠad̪ˠə] = long, far fadáil = delaying, lingering, dilatoriness fadáoch = tall man, long fellow fadáocht = lengthiness, longsomeness fadálach = slow, tardy, dilatory, lingering, tedious fadálacht = tardiness, tediousness fadó = long ago fadó fadó = once upon a time
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fad [fad] = length, duration fada [fadə] = long, far, lanky, tall fadachadh [fadəxəɣ] = elongating, lengthening fadachd [fadəxg] = longing, yearning, length fadal [fadəl̪ˠ] = delay, tediousness, longing fadalach [fadəl̪ˠəx] = late, tardy, tedious, wearisome fada air ais = backward, oldfashioned, uncool fada air astar = far off / away o chionn fhada = a long time ago, for a long time
Manx (Gaelg)	foddid = distance, remoteness foddey = afar, distance, far, markedly, remote(ly), long foddey er-dy-henney = long ago, long since foddey ersooyl = far afield, far away, outlying foddey-hannaghtyn = lingering, long-distance foddeeaght = distance, fervent desire, homesickness, longing, nostalgia

Etymology: from Old Irish fot (length), from PIE *wasdʰos (long, wide), from *h₁weh₂- (empty, wasted). Words from the same roots include waste and vast in English, and vaste (profound) in French [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kēnos = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cían [kʲiːa̯n] = distant, far, lasting, long, since cíana = distance, length, long time
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cían = long, enduring, far, distant cíana = length, distance
Irish (Gaeilge)	cian [ciənˠ] = length of time, age, distance, distant time, long, distant cianaimsir = a long time cianaistear = long, tedious, journey cianamharc = distant view cianaois = old age cianaosta = long-lived, very old, pristine, primeval cianda = distant, remote
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cian [kʲian] = distant, far off, faraway, long, tedious, weary cian-aimsir = antiquity cian-chonaltradh = telecommunication(s) cian-fhada = extremely long distance

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kʷello- = far
Gaulish	pelignos = stranger, foreigner, born far away
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	pel = far, distant, remote
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pell = far, distant, remote bellbell, bell-bell, pellbell = further and further, very far (off) pelledig, pelledic = far (off), remote pellynnic, pellennic = far-away distant, remote, ancient pellau, pellav = to go far pellter, pellder, pelther = (great) distance, remoteness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pell [pɛɬ / peːɬ] = far, far-off, far-away, distant, remote, far-reacing, long (time), far (in the past of future), late pellbell = further and further, very far (off) pelledig = far (off), remote pelledd = entire extent, total duration, the whole, entirety pellennig, pellynnig = far-away distant, remote, ancient pellhaf, pellhau = to go far (from), distance oneself (from), to cause (sb/sth), to be far (from), to postpone pellter = (great) distance, remoteness, length (of time), distant place
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pell = distant, remote, far, long pella = farther, longer pellder = distance, remoteness pellear = a long time pelly = to render distant, to remove far off, to drive away
Cornish (Kernewek)	pell = distant, remote, far, long pella = extreme, farther, farthest, further, furthest, utmost, moreover pellder = distance, long time, remoteness pellgomunyans = telecommuication pellgowsel, pellgowser = (tele)phone pellgowsell = mobile-phone pellhe = to banish, move away, send away pellskrifen = fax telegram pellweler = telescope pellwolok = television
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	pell = distant
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pell = distant pellhat = to get away from
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pell [pɛlː] = far, long, late pellaat [pɛˈlɑːt] = to move away pellad = long time pelladur, pellded = distance pellder = distant, length of time pellgemenn = remote control pellgomz [ˈpɛl.ɡɔ̃ms] = telephone pellidigezh = distance pellwel = television

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *kʷel-so- from *kʷel- (to turn, revolve around, sojourn). English words beginning with tele-, such as telescope and telephone, come from the same PIE roots [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

A Bit of Bitterness

21st February 202422nd February 2024 By Simon

Words for bitter, sour and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*swerwos = bitter
Old Irish (Goídelc)	serb [sʲerv] = bitter, bitterness serbae = bitterness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	serb = bitter, hurtful, grievous, disagreeable, harsh, discordant serbae, seirbe = bitterness, asperity
Irish (Gaeilge)	searbh [ˈʃaɾˠəvˠ / ˈʃarˠu(ː)] = bitter, sour, acid searbhaigh = to sour, embitter, become bitter searbhán = bitter person, bitter herb, bitters searbhánta = bitter, acrid searbhas = bitterness, sourness, acidity searbhasach = bitter, acrimonious searbhóg = bitter person, bitter woman, bitter drink searbhú = embitterment
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	searbh [ʃɛrɛv] = bitter, sour, tart, disagreeable, acidic searbh-chainnt = sarcasm searbh-ghlòr = cacophony searbh-nhilis = bitter-sweet duine searbh = disagreeable person fion searbh geal = dry white wine leann searbh = bitter (ale) ’s searbh an fhirinn = the truth hurts
Manx (Gaelg)	sharroo = acid, acrid, acrimonious, bitter, cutting, embittered, sardonic, sour, tart, unpalatable, vitriolic sharrooaghey = to embitter sharrooane = bitters sharrooid = bitterness lhune sharroo = bitter (ale/beer)
Proto-Brythonic	*hwerw = bitter
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	chuerv, chuerw, chwerw, chuero, chỽerw = bitter, acrid, painful, harsh chwerwy, cwherwa = to become bitter, be displeased chwerwder, chweruder = bitterness, sourness, acerbity chwerwed, chỽerỽed = bitterness, sourness, acerbity, sharpness, tartness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	chwerw [ˈχwɛru/ˈχweːru] = bitter, acrid, painful, harsh, rough, severe, sharp, surly, hurtful, angry, irate, spiteful, cross, cruel, sorrowful chwerwaf, chwerwi = to become bitter, be displeased chwerwaidd = bitter, sharp chwerwder = bitterness, sourness, acerbity chwerwedd = bitterness, sourness, acerbity, sharpness, tartness
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	chuero, wherow = bitter, cruel, hardhearted
Cornish (Kernewek)	hwerow = bitter, harsh, sharp hwerowder = acrimony
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	hueru = bitter
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hueru, fero, huerhue = bitter hueruentez = bitterness
Breton (Brezhoneg)	c’hwerv [χwɛʁw] = bitter c’hwervaat = to make or become bitter c’hwervded, c’hwervder, c’hwerventez, c’hwervoni = bitterness

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *swer- (to ache, to fester, wound, injury). Words from the same root include sword in English, chwarren (gland, knot in wood, boil, ulcer) in Welsh, zweren (to swear, pledge, declare under oath) in Dutch, and schwären (to fester, hurt, suppurate) in German [source].

Proto-Celtic	*gʷereti, gʷorti- = bitter
Old Irish (Goídelc)	goirt [ɡor͈ʲtʲ] = bitter, salty
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	goirt = hungry, starved, bitter, sour, salt, sharp, keen
Irish (Gaeilge)	goirt [ɡʌɾˠtʲ / ɡɔɾˠtʲ] = salt, saline, salted, bitter goirte = saltiness, salinity, brackishness, bitterness goirteamas = saltiness, bitterness, salt food goirtigh = to salt, pickle
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	goirt [gɔr̪ˠʃdʲ] = sore, painful, sour, salted goirteas [gɔr̪ˠʃdʲəs] = pain, ache, painfulness goirtear [gɔr̪ˠʃdʲər] = miser, mean/stingy person goirte [gɔr̪ˠʃdʲə] = soreness, painfulness, sourness, acerbity, saltiness goirteachadh [gɔr̪ˠʃdʲəxəɣ] = hurting, afflicting, acidifying, making sour, leavening
Manx (Gaelg)	gort = acid, bitter, brackish, rank, vinegarish, vinegary, sour, hurt, poignant, acrid, acrimony gortaghey = hurt, hurting, maim, pain gortagh = beggarly, frugal, grudging, hurt, meagre, miser

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *gʷorti-, from *gʷʰer- (warm, hot). Words from the same root include barmy, furnace, gore, thermal and warm in English, and garstig (rude, nasty, beastly, foul) in German [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Pins & Needles

17th February 202417th February 2024 By Simon

Words for pin, needle and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*delgos = pin, needle
Gaulish	*dalgis = scythe
Old Irish (Goídelc)	delg [dʲerɡ] = thorn, pin, brooch, peg
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	delg = thorn, pin, brooch, peg, spike, nail, pointed implement delga, delgu = pin, peg, spike, tip, point delgach = pointed
Irish (Gaeilge)	dealg [ˈdʲal̪ˠəɡ / ˈdʲalˠəɡ] = thorn, prickle, spine, spike, pin, peg, pointed implement, brooch dealgán = knitting-needle deilgne = thorns, prickles deilgneach = thorny, prickly, barbed
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dealg [dʲal̪ˠag] = pin, skewer, knitting needle, prick(le) dealg-fighidh = knitting needle dealgan = spindle, small pin, skewer dealg brodaidh = cattle prod dealgach [dʲal̪ˠagəx] = prickly, stinging dealganach [dʲal̪ˠaganəx] = pertaining to or abounding in spindles, small pins or skewers
Manx (Gaelg)	jialg = broochpin, needle, prick(le), quill, spine, thorn, pin jialg broghil = brooch jialg fuilt = hairpin jialg oashyr = knitting needle jialgagh = prickly, spiniferous, spiny, thorny jialgaghey = to pin, prickle, pinning
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dala = sting
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dala [ˈdala] = sting, bite
Old Cornish (Cernewec)	delc(h) = jewel, necklace
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	delc = necklace
Cornish (Kernewek)	delk = necklace

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *dʰelg- (sting). Words from the same root include dálkur (spine of a fish, knife, dagger, [newspaper] column) in Icelandic, dilgus (prickly) in Lithuanian, falce (scythe, sickle) in Italian, hoz (sickle) in Spanish, and falcate (shaped like a sickle), falcifer (sickle-bearing, holding a scythe) in English [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Gaulish *dalgis (scythe) and Latin *daculum (scythe) , possibly include dall (mowing, billhook) in Catalan, dalle (scythe) in Spanish, and dalha (scythe) in Occitan (Languedoc) [source].

The English word dagger, and related words in other languages, such as daga (dagger) in Spanish, and Degen (rapier, épée) in German, might come from the same roots [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ber = (cooking) spin
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bi(u)r [bʲir] = stake, spit, point, spear, spike berach = pointed, sharp
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bir = stake, spit, point, spear, spike biraid = to pierce biraigthe = sharpened, pointed birda = pointed, sharp birín = little spike, sharp point, dart, little spear
Irish (Gaeilge)	bior [ˈbʲɨ̞ɾˠ] = pointed rod or shaft, spit, spike, point biorach = pointed, sharp bioraigh = to point, sharpen biorán = pin, hand (of clock) bioranta = sharp biorú = pointing, sharpening
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bior [bir] = prickle, thorn, point, pointed object, knitting needle biorachadh [birəxəɣ] = sharpening, making pointed, staring biorag [birag] = small thorn or prickle, spiteful sharp-tongued woman biorach [birəx] = pointed, sharp, piercing, prickly bioraich [birɪç] = sharpen, make pointed, stare
Manx (Gaelg)	birr, byr = point, spit birragh, byrragh = pointed, scathing, sharp, spiky, tapered, prickly birranagh = pointed, sharp birraghey = to sharpen, taper, tone up
Proto-Brythonic	ber = (cooking) spit
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bêr, ber = spear, lance, pike, spit, skewer beraid = as much as can be held on a spit
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bêr [beːr] = spear, lance, pike, spit, skewer ber(i)af, berio, beru = to spit (meat), impale, stab with a spear beriad = as much as can be held on a spit bergi = turnspit (dog) bernod = dagger, obelisk
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ber, bêr = spit, lance, spear
Cornish (Kernewek)	berya = to stab, run through
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ber, bèr, bir = (roasting) spit
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ber [beːr] = spindle, point, spike beriad = pin berian = skewer

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *gʷéru (spit, spear) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include verrocchio (olive oil press) in Italian, verrou (bolt, lock) in French, cerrojo (bolt, latch) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic	snātantā = needle (?) snātos = thread
Old Irish (Goídelc)	snáthat = needle snáith = thread
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	snáthat, snāthad, snathat = needle snáithe = thread
Irish (Gaeilge)	snáthaid [ˈsˠn̪ˠɑːhəd̪ˠ] = needle, snáthadóir = needle-maker snáth = thread, yarn, web
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	snàthad [sn̪ˠaː.əd] = needle, pointer (on a dial) snàthadair [sn̪ˠaː.ədɪrʲ] = needle-maker snàthadalan [sn̪ˠaː.ədəl̪ˠan] = needlecase snàthadh [sn̪ˠaː.əɣ] = threading, stringing snàthadag [sn̪ˠaː.ədag] = sting snàth [sn̪ˠaː] = thread, yarn
Manx (Gaelg)	snaid = needle, pointer, indicator, index snaid whaaley = sewing needle snaidagh = needle-like snaidey = knit obbyr snaidey = needlework snaih, snaie = line, thread, yarn, worm, netting
Old Welsh (Kymraec)	notuid = needle, pin
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	notwyd, nottwyd, nodwydd = needle, pin
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nodwydd [ˈnɔdwɨ̞ð/ˈnɔdʊi̯ð] = needle, pin, pointer, dial nodwyddaf, nodwyddo = to sew, stitch, inject, prick nodwyddiad = acupuncture nodwyddig = small needle nodwyddwaith = needlework nodwyddwr = needlemaker, pinmaker, sewer, stitcher, tailor
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nadedh, nadzhedh = needle noden = thread, yarn
Cornish (Kernewek)	naswydh, najedh = needle neusen, neujen = thread, yarn neusenna = to thread
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nadoez, nados, nadoz = sewing needle neut, neud = thread
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nadoez [beːr] = needle, hand, pointer, spire nadoezenn = (clock) hand nadoezier = needle maker neud = thread, filaments, net, algae

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *(s)neh₁- (to spin, sew) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include needle, nerve, neuron, sinew and snood in English [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Betwixt and Between

6th February 2024 By Simon

Here are some words for betwixt, between, among and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*enter = betwen
Gaulish	Entarabo = name of a god
Celtiberian	enterara = between
Old Irish (Goídelc)	eter = between etrom, etrum = between me etrut = between you (sg) etir, itir = between him etron(n), etrunn = between us etruib = between you (pl) etarru, etarro = between them
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	eter, etir, etar-, etr- = inter-, between, among etrom, etrum = between me etrut = between you (sg) eadra, etir = between him etronn, etrunn, eadrainn, eadroinn = between us etruib, eadruibh, eadraibh = between you (pl) et(t)arru, etarro, etorro = between them
Irish (Gaeilge)	idir [ˈɪdʲəɾʲ/ˈɛdʲəɾʲ/ˈɛd̪ˠəɾʲ] = between, both eadrainn = between us eadraibh = between you (pl) eatarthu = between them idirchéim = interval idircheol = interlude idirchuir = to interpose idirfhigh = to interweave idirmhír = intersection idirlíon = internet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eadar [edər] = between eadarainn = between us eadaraibh = between you (pl) eatarra = between them eadar-aghaidh [edərˈɤ.ɪ] = interface eadar-cheangailte = interconnected eadar-cheangal = interlinking, interconnecting, communications eadar dà sgeul = incidentally (“between two stories”) eadar-dhealtaichte = parted, separated, differing, distinct eadar-lìon = internet eadar-theangachadh = translating, translation
Manx (Gaelg)	eddyr [ˈɛðˌər] =between, betwixt eddyr ain = between us eddyr eu = between you (pl) eddyr oc = between them eddyr-ashoonagh = international(ist) eddyrcheim = interval eddyr-chianglt = interconnected eddyr-ghoaillagh = intermediary eddyr-hengaghey = to interpret, interpretation eddyr-voggyl = internet
Proto-Brythonic	*ɨntr = between
Old Welsh	ithr = between
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ythr = between
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ynter, yntré = between, among yntredho = between him yntredhon = between us ynterdhoch, yntredhouch = between ye yntredhe = between them
Cornish (Kernewek)	ynter, yntra = between ynterdhyskyblethek = interdisciplinary ynterfas = interface
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	ithr = between, among
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	entre, intre = between, among
Breton (Brezhoneg)	etre [e.ˈtre] = between, intermediate, while, as long as etrezon = between me entrezout = between you (sg) entrezañ = between him entrezi = between her etrezomp = between us entrezoc’h = between you (pl) entrezo, entreze = between them etrebazhin, etrebazhiñ = to interpose etrekeltiek = inter-Celtic etrelakaat = to interpose etrevroadel = international

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁entér (between), from *h₁én (in) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include enter and under in English. onder (under, downwards) in Dutch, unter (under, below, among, between) in German, ndër (between, among, in, through) in Albanian [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rỽng, rỽg, rug, rwng = between kyfrwg, kyfrug, kyfrwng = means, medium, agency, interval, midst
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhwng, yrhwng [r̥ʊŋ] = between rhyngddo i = between me rhyngddot ti = between you (sg) rhyngddo fe/fo = between him rhyngddi hi = between her rhyngddon ni = between us rhyngddoch chi = between you (pl) rhyngddyn nhw = between them rhyngberthynol = interrelated, mutually connected rhyngol = intermediate, mediatory rhyngrwyd = internet rhyngwladol = international cyfrwng = means, medium, agency, interval, midst

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)

rỽng, rỽg, rug, rwng = between
kyfrwg, kyfrug, kyfrwng = means, medium, agency, interval, midst

Welsh (Cymraeg)

rhwng, yrhwng [r̥ʊŋ] = between
rhyngddo i = between me
rhyngddot ti = between you (sg)
rhyngddo fe/fo = between him
rhyngddi hi = between her
rhyngddon ni = between us
rhyngddoch chi = between you (pl)
rhyngddyn nhw = between them
rhyngberthynol = interrelated, mutually connected
rhyngol = intermediate, mediatory
rhyngrwyd = internet
rhyngwladol = international
cyfrwng = means, medium, agency, interval, midst

Etymology: unknown [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	plith, plyth = midst, middle, centre, between, amongst ymplith, em plyth, ymlith, ymhlith = among(st), in or to (the midst of), (together) with
Welsh (Cymraeg)	plith = midst, middle, centre, between, amongst plithdraphlithdod = confusion, disorder plithwrtaith = compost tryblith = chaos, disorder, muddle ymhlith [əmˈɬiːθ] = among(st), in or to (the midst of), (together) with

Etymology: unknown [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Dinner

5th January 20245th January 2024 By Simon

Words for dinner and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	din(n)ér = repast, meal
Irish (Gaeilge)	dinnéar [dʲɪˈnʲeːɾˠ] = dinner am dinnéir = dinner-time foreann dinnéir = dinner-service
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dinnear [dʲiːn̪ʲər] = dinner àm dìnnearach = dinner-time bòrd-dìnnearach = dinner table seacaid-dìnnearach = dinner-jacket/suit, tuxedo seòmar-dìnnearach = dining room
Manx (Gaelg)	jinnair = dinner co’heshaght yinnairagh = dinner party forran buird = dinner service jaggad yinnairagh = dinner jacket

Etymology: from Old French disner (to dine, eat the main meal of the day), from Vulgar Latin *disiūnāre, from Late Latin disieiūnō (to break the fast), from dis- (apart, reversal, utterly) and ieiūnō (to fast) [source].

Words from the same roots include dine and diner and dinner in English, and dîner (to dine, dinner) in French [source].

Proto-Brythonic	*kinjọ = dinner (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	kinyaỽ, kinyaw, kinio, kinnaw = dinner kino echwydd, ciniaw echwydd, kinnechwydd = midday-dinner kinnawha, kinawu, kinyawa = to dine, eat a meal
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cinio [ˈkɪnjɔ] = dinner, breakfast cinio echwydd, cinechwydd = midday-dinner cin(i)awaf, cin(i)awu = to dine, eat a meal ciniawdy = restaurant, café ciniawfwyd = dinner, meal
Middle Cornish (Cernwec)	cynyow, cidnio = dinner
Cornish (Kernwek)	kinnyow, kidnyow = dinner kinyewel = to dine

Etymology: cognate with or from Latin cēna (dinner), from Old Latin cesna, from Proto-Italic *kertsnā, from Proto-Indo-European *kért-sneh₂ (portion), from *(s)kert- (to cut), from *(s)ker- (to cut off, separate) [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	cvin, kwyn = dinner, supper, feast, banquet kvynnos, cwynos = supper, evening, meal, feast kuynossa, cwynosa = to sup, take supper cwynossauc, cwynossawc = giving (or one who gives) supper or a meal to a king or lord and his retinue on circuit
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cwyn = dinner, supper, feast, banquet cwynos = supper, evening, meal, feast cwynosa(f) = to sup, take supper cwynosfwyd = supper, tea, a light meal or lunch taken in the afternoon in the fields. cwynosog = giving (or one who gives) supper or a meal to a king or lord and his retinue on circuit
Middle Cornish (Cernwec)	coyn, cón = supper
Cornish (Kernwek)	kon = dinner, supper
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	coan = dinner, supper, to have supper coan(i)aff, coanyaff, coania = to dine, to have supper coanlech = place where one has supper
Breton (Brezhoneg)	koan [ˈkwãːn] = supper, dinner, to have supper koanan, koaniañ = to have dinner, to dine koanier = dinner

Etymology: from Latin cēna (dinner), from Old Latin cesna, from Proto-Italic *kertsnā, from Proto-Indo-European *kért-sneh₂ (portion), from *(s)kert- (to cut), from *(s)ker- (to cut off, separate) [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	béile = meal
Irish (Gaeilge)	béile [ˈbʲeːlʲə] = meal béile maidine = breakfast béile meán lae = lunch béile oíche = supper, dinner ní fiú a bhéilí é = he is not worth his keep
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beil = diet, meal of meat (archaic)

Etymology: from Middle English mel (a time, occasion, meal, feast), from Old English mǣl (measure, mark, sign, time, occasion), from Proto-Germanic *mēlą (measure, time, occasion, meal), from PIE *meh₁- (to measure) [source].

Words from the same roots include meal in English, maal (meal, time) in Dutch, Mahl (meal) in German, and mål (target, goal, meal) in Swedish [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

Flowing Slowly

24th November 202324th November 2023 By Simon

Words for slow and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	malnos/mallo- = slow, lazy
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mall [mal͈] = slow, tardy, late utmall = unsteady, restless
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mall = slow, sluggish mallaigid = to make slow, retard maill, moill = tardiness, delay maillech = slowly-moving, leisurely, gentle admall = very slow, dilatory immall = very slow, wearisome, sad, sluggish utmall = unstable, fickle, restless
Irish (Gaeilge)	mall [mˠɑul̪ˠ/mˠɑːl̪ˠ/mˠal̪ˠ] = slow, late mallachar = slowness, dullness, dimness mallacharach = slow, dim mallaibh = of late, lately udhmhall = unstable, restless, unceratin, nimble, quick
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	mall [maul̪ˠ] = slow, deliberate, placid mallan [mal̪ˠan] = sluggard, slowcoach mallanach [mal̪ˠanəx] = slow, dilatory
Manx (Gaelg)	moal = slow, sorry, tardy, unimpressive, backward, deliberate, dull, feeble, gradual, meagre

Etymology: possibly from PIE *mel- (to be late, hesitate) and *-nós (creates verbal adjectives) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	slaet = heap, layer, pile
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	slaet = a swathe, layer, pile, illness, disease slaetach, slaebach = in layers, sweeping (hair)
Irish (Gaeilge)	slaod = swath, layer, flowing mass, prostration, stupefication, float, raft; to mow down, lay low, flow, drag, trail, trudge slaodach = in swaths, in layers, flowing, prostrating, heavy, oppressive, viscous slaodacht = viscosity slaodaí = trudger, slowcoach, lazy-bones slaodaíocht = trudging, slowness, laziness slaodchiallach = slow-witted
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	slaod [sl̪ˠɯːd] = raft, float, sledge, tow, drag, sluggard, slowcoach slaodach [sl̪ˠɯːdəx] = slow, sluggish, dilatory, dragging, pulling, awkward, clumsy slaodachadh [sl̪ˠɯːdəxəɣ] = dragging, hauling, slowing down slaodachd [sl̪ˠɯːdəxg] = slowness, drowsiness, awkwardness
Manx (Gaelg)	sleayd = dredge, trail, sledge, trailer sleaydagh = trailing sleayder = lug, trailing

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic	*aramo- = quiet
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	araf, arav [ˈarav] = slow, leisurely, calm, quiet arafu = to be(come) or make slow, slow down arafaidd, arauaidd = slow, gradual, mild, gentle arafhau = to make or become quiet or calm,
Welsh (Cymraeg)	araf [ˈarav] = slow, gradual, tedious, tiresome, mild, meek, gentle, tender arafu = to be(come) or make slow, slow down, retard arafaidd = slow, gradual, mild, gentle, lovely, pleasant arafedd = slowness, gentleness, tenderness arafhau = to make or become quiet or calm, ease, abate, moderate arafol = slow, gradual, slowing, delaying

Etymology: from PIE *h₁r̥h₃-mo-, from *h₁reh₃- (rest). Words from the same roots include Ruhe (calm, quietness, rest) in German, ro (calmness) in Danish, ro (peace, quiet, tranquility) in Swedish, and unruly in English [source].

Proto-Brythonic	*segʉr = idle
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	segur = idle segyra, segura, seguru, segvro = to (be) idle segyrllyt, segurllyd = idle, lazy, sluggish, slothful
Welsh (Cymraeg)	segur [ˈsɛɡɨ̞r / ˈseːɡɪr] = idle, unoccupied, inactive, lazy, slothful, disused, idle seguro = to (be) idle, laze, linger, lounge around, rest segurdod = idleness, laziness segurllyd = idle, lazy, sluggish, slothful segurwr = idler, lazy person
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	sigyr, zigyr = sluggish, lazy
Cornish (Kernewek)	syger = idle, lazy, lethargic, slow sygera = to seep, trickle sygerans = seep(age) sygerneth = idleness, laziness, lethargy sygerus = at leisure, leisurely

Etymology: from Latin sēcūrus (careless, carefree, negligent, safe, secure), from sē- (without) and‎ cūra (care). Words from the same root include secure and sure in English, sicuru (safe, secure, sure) in Italian, seguro (secure, safe, sure) in Spanish and säker (safe, secure, sure, certain) in Swedish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*uɸostatos = stable
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fossad = firm, steady
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fossad, fossud = stationary, fixed, firm, steady, steadfast, consistent, flat surface, level place, stopping-place, abode
Irish (Gaeilge)	fosadh = stop, stay, rest, stable position, steadiness, stability
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fosadh [fɔsəɣ] = cessation, desisting, recess, respite, (act of) abiding
Proto-Brythonic	*gwostad = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwastat, guastat = flat, level, smooth
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwastad [ˈɡwastad] = flat, level, smooth, even, horizontal, continual, constant, quiet, peaceful, gentle, plain, level
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwastas = flat, open, plain, smooth
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	goustat, goustadic, goustadec, goustadic = gently, slowly
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gou(e)stad = slow, slowly doustadik = slow, slowly

Etymology: unknown [source].

Another word for slow in Cornish is lent, and lenthe means to slow down. This is possibly from (Old) French lent (slow), or from Latin lentus (sticky, slow, flexible).

In Middle Cornish the word hel means slow or tardy, and cosel/kozal means soft, quiet, slow or sluggish, which became kosel (calm, quiet, restful, still, tranquil) in revived Cornish.

Another Proto-Celtic word for slow is *dwāyo-. This became doé / doe (slow, sluggish) in Old Irish and Middle Irish, but has no descendents I can find in the modern Celtic languages.

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

Order

1st November 20231st November 2023 By Simon

Words for order and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ord = order, sequence ordaigidir = to order, ordain
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ord, ordd, ort, órd = order, sequence, arrangement, state, way, course, procedure, degree, rank, dignity, ritual, office ord(d)ad = ordering, arranging ord(d)aigecht = dignity, nobility ord(d)aigid(ir) = to order, ordain, institue, appoint ord(d)aigthe = ordered, ordained, arranged ord(d)an = dignity, honour, pre-eminence
Irish (Gaeilge)	ord [əuɾˠd̪ˠ / ɔːɾˠd̪ˠ] = order, sequence, arrangement ordaigh = to order, command, prescribe, ordain, recommend ordaiteach = imperative ordaithe = ordered, stipulated ordan = honour, dignity, rank, pre-eminence ordanáilte = neat, ordered ordú = to order, command ordúil = orderly, neat, ordered ordúilacht = orderliness, neatness, tidiness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	òrd [or̪ˠd] = order òrdach [or̪ˠdəx] = orderly, regular òrdachadh [or̪ˠdəxəɣ] = commanding, ordering òrdachail [or̪ˠdəxal] = prescriptive òrdan [or̪ˠdan] = order, statute òrdugh [or̪ˠdu] = order, prescription, command
Manx (Gaelg)	oardyr, ordyr = order oardagh = arrangement, array, commission, decree, directive, order, rite, ritual, sequence oardee = to bid, command, order oarderit = ordained, ordered, regulated oardit = appointed, authorized, decreed, ordained, ordered oardoil = orderly, oridinal oardreilys = order, system
Proto-Brythonic	*ʉrð = order
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	urd, urdd = holy orders, order urdav, vrdav = to appoint to an honour, duty, or office urdein, urtyein, urtdein, urtein, vrddain = dignified, honourable, praiseworthy urtas, vrdas, urdas = dignity, honour, nobility vrddassav, urddasu, vrddassv = to dignify, honour, venerate vrdasseyd, urdasseid, vrdasseid = dignified, honourable urtassaỼc, urddasog = dignified, honourable, of high rank, noble
Welsh (Cymraeg)	urdd [ɨ̞rð / ɪrð] = holy orders, (religious, military, chivalric, taxonomic) order, dignity, honour, discipline, rule, control, manner urddaf, urddo = to appoint to an honour, duty, or office, ordain, crown, dub (knight), honour, elevate, dignify, dedicate urdd(i)ain = dignified, honourable, praiseworthy urddas = dignity, honour, nobility, (high) rank, reputation, status urddasaf, urddasu = to dignify, honour, venerate, revere, elevate, ennoble urddasaidd = dignified, honourable, of high rank, noble, orderly urddasog = dignified, honourable, of high rank, noble
Cornish (Kernewek)	urdh = order urdhas = hierarchy urdhya = to initiate urdhyans = initiation
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	eurz, urz, vrz = order, arrangement, command
Breton (Brezhoneg)	urzh [yrs] = order, right, authorisation urzhad [ˈyrzat] = (biological) order urzhaz = hierarchy urzhiadur = prescription, order, arrangment, ordination urzhiañ [ˈyrzjã] = to order, arrange, organise urzhiataer [yr.zja.ˈtɛːr] = computer

Etymology: from Latin ōrdō (order, row, series, class, condition, group), from Proto-Italic *ordō (row, order), probably from Proto-Indo-European *h₂or-d-, from *h₂er- (to fit, fix, put together). Words from the same roots include arm, art, harmony, order, ordinary, ornate and reason in English, orden (order) in Spanish and Ordnung (arrangement, regulation) in German [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

Sure, Certainly

27th October 202330th October 2023 By Simon

Words for sure, certain and related words in Celtic languages.

Sure, Certainly

Words marked * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*derwos = firm (as an oak), oak
Old Irish (Goídelc)	derb = sure, certain, fixed, certainty derba = certainty derbaid = to certify, confirm, prove derbda = certain, fixed
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	derb = sure, certain, fixed, determinate, reliable, genuine derba = certainty derbaid = to certify, confirm, prove, attest derbda(e) = certain, fixed
Irish (Gaeilge)	dearbh [ˈdʲaɾˠəvˠ] = sure, certain dearbhaigh = to declare, affirm, confirm, attest, prove dearbháil = to test, check dearbhú = declaration, affirmation, attestation, confirmation dearfa = attested, proved, sure, certain dearfach = affrimative, positive dearfacht = positiveness, certainty deartháir = brother (“certain brother” from derb & bráthair [brother]) deirfiúr = sister (“certain sister” from derb & siur [sister])
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dearbh [dʲɛrɛv] = ceratin, sure, positive dearbh-aithne = identity, indentification dearbhaich [dʲɛrɛvɪç] = prove, attest, verify, demonstrate dearbhadh [dʲɛrɛvəɣ] = proving, attesting, verifying dearbhachd [dʲɛrɛvəxg] = proof, experience, assurance dearbhair [dʲɛrɛvɛrʲ] = affirmer, checker dearbhte [dʲɛrɛvdʲə] = ascertained, confirmed, proved dearbhach [dʲɛrɛvəx] = sure, affirmative, positive dearbhachail [dʲɛrɛvəxal] = conclusive, decisive
Manx (Gaelg)	jarroo = absolute, actual, even, explicit, express, identical, indubitable jarrooagh = affirmative, categorical, confirmative, definitive, positive jarrooid = positiveness dy jarroo = actually
Old Welsh	ceintiru = first cousin (male)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	keuynderv, keuyndyru, keuynderw = first cousin (male) cyfnitherw, kefnithderw, cyvnither = first cousin (female)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	derw = sure, true (only appears in words below) cefnder(w) = first cousin (male) cyfnither(w) = first cousin (female)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	handeru = first cousin
Cornish (Kernewek)	kenderow, keniterow = cousin
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	quenderu = cousin
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kenderv = cousin (male) keniterv = cousin (female)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *drewh₂- (steady, firm), from *dóru (tree), which possibly related to *deru-/*drew- (hard, firm, strong, solid) [source].

Words from the same roots include words for oak trees in Celtic languages, and tar, tree, trough and trim in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kengeti =to step
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cingid [ˈkʲiŋʲɡʲiðʲ] = to step, proceed do·cing = to advance, step forward
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cingid, cinnid, cinnit = to step, pace, proceed, go, overcome, surpass, excel, exceed do-cing, to-cing = to step, stride forward, advance, come
Irish (Gaeilge)	cinn [cəiɲ / ciːnʲ] = to fix, determine, decree, decide cinnte = certain, definite, mean, stingy, constant cinnteach = fixed, definite, definitive cinnteachaí = determinist cinnteachas = determinism cinnteacht = certainty, stinginess, limitation cinntigh = to make certain, confirm, assure cinntiú = confirmation, determination
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cinnt [kʲĩːn̪ʲdʲ] = certainty cinnteach = certain, definite, sure, accurate cinnteachas = determinism cinnteachd = certainty, actuality, assurance cinnteachadh = checking, confirming, determining cinntich = (to) check, confirm, determine, ascertain
Manx (Gaelg)	kinjagh = constant, continual, continuous, definite

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *(s)keng- (limp) [source].

Words from the same roots include words for step in Celtic languages, shank in English, hinken (to limp, hobble) in Dutch and German [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dyogel, diogel = safe, secure, certain, sure, reliable, immovable diogelu = to make save, secure diogelhay = to make safe or fast, secure, assure diogelrwydd, diogelrỼyd = safety, security, assurance, certainty diogelwch = safety, security, caution diogelwr = defender, protector
Welsh (Cymraeg)	diogel [dɪˈɔɡɛl/dɪˈoːɡɛl] = safe, secure, certain, sure, reliable, immovable diogelaf, diogelu = to make save, secure, assure, confirm diogeldeb, diolgelder = safety, security diogelfa = safe place, fortress, stronghold, place of refuge diogelhaf, diogelhau = to make safe or fast, secure, assure diogelrwydd = safety, security, assurance, certainty diogelwch = safety, security, caution diogelwr, diogelydd = defender, protector
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	diogel, dyowgel, dyogel, diûgel, diougel = unexposed, secure, safe, certain
Cornish (Kernewek)	diogel = certain, reliable, secure, sure diogeldeh = security diogeli = to safeguard, secure
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	diouguel, dioguel, dyougel = certain, sure, surely, security, safety diouguelhat = to defend, guard, protect diouguelroez, dyouguelroez = security, protection
Breton (Brezhoneg)	diogel [diˈoːɡɛl] = size, dimension, measure, format diougelaat = to defend, guard, protect diougeladur = affirmation, assertion diougeler = protecter diogeliñ = to assert diogelroez = security, protection diogelus = affirmative

Etymology: from di- (intensifying prefix) and gogel (to guard), from Proto-Celtic *uɸo- (sub-, under) and *kelo (to hide), from PIE *ḱel (to cover) [source].

Words from the same roots include Celt(ic), heel and occult in English [source].

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sicir [ʃiçgʲɪrʲ] = shrewd, acute, accurate, sure sicireachd [ʃiçgʲɪrʲəxg] = shrewdness, acuteness, accurateness, sureness
Manx (Gaelg)	shickyr = certain, confident, definite, firm shickyraghey = to ensure, ratify, verify, affirmation shickyrys = assurance, certainty, security, stability
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	sicr, sikr = safe, secure, certain, sure, reliable, immovable sickrwydd, sicrwydd, siccrwydd = certainity, sureness, assurance siwr, sywr = sure, certain, inevitable, unfailing
Welsh (Cymraeg)	sicr [ˈsɪkɪr] = sure, certain, inevitable, secure, safe sicrhau = to ensure, make certain, fasten, secure sicrwydd = certainity, sureness, assurance siŵr, siwr [ʃuːr]= sure, certain, inevitable, unfailing siwr(i)af, siwr(i)o = to assure, ensure siwrans, siwrens = certainity, assurance
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	secer = secure secerder = security
Cornish (Kernewek)	sur = certain(ly), sure(ly) surhe = to assure, ensure, insure surheans = insurance surneth = certainity surredi = certainly, surely
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	sigur = sure, certain, assured
Breton (Brezhoneg)	sygur, sigur [ˈsiːɡyr] = sure, certain, assured siguriñ = to generalize, pretext

Etymology: from Middle English siker (safe, secure), from Old English sicor (secure, safe, sure), from Proto-West Germanic *sikur (secure, safe, sure, certain), from Latin sēcūrus (worryless; carefree; secure), from sē- (without) and cūra (care); [source].

Note: the Welsh word sikr comes from Middle English siker, while siŵr/siwr comes from modern English sure. They both come from the same ultimate roots. Similarly, the Middle Cornish secer comes from Middle English, while sur in modern Cornish comes from modern English. I’m not sure if the Breton words are related, or what their etymology is.

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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: German (Deutsch)

Blessings

Thin & Slender

Long Distance

A Bit of Bitterness

Pins & Needles

Betwixt and Between

Dinner

Flowing Slowly

Order

Sure, Certainly