Offices

13th December 202414th December 2024 By Simon

Words for office and related things in Celtic languages.

My home office

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	oific = office oificech = official, officer
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	oific, oifig, oiffic = office, calling, employment, function, relgious service, ritual oificech, oifigeacha = official, functional, officer
Irish (Gaeilge)	oifig [ˈɛfʲɪɟ / ˈɛfʲɪc / ˈɔfʲɪc] = office, bureau oifigeach = officier, official oifigeacht = office, function (literary) oifigiúil [ɪfʲɪˈɟuːlʲ / ˈɛfʲɪɟuːlʲ] = official oifigiúilachas = officialism
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	oifig [ɔfɪgʲ] = office oifis [ɔfɪʃ] = office (place) oifigear [ɔfɪgʲər] = officer oifigeach [ɔfɪgʲəx] = official
Manx (Gaelg)	oik = office, bureau, post, board, bishopric offish = office offishear = officer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	offis = position, post, duty, duties, work, task, service offisial, officyall = official
Welsh (Cymraeg)	offis = office, position, post, duty, duties, work, task, service offiser = (army, police, etc) officer offis(i)al, offisel = official
Cornish (Kernewek)	offis = function, office, position officer = officer
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	officc = office officer = officer official = official
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ofis = office ofiser = officer ofisial = officical ofisalded = officiality ofisiel = official ofisin = to officiate, preside, pontificate

Etymology (Goidelic languages and Breton): from Latin officium (duty, service, office, obligation), from opificium, from Proto-Italic *opifakjom, from op(i)s (power, ability, resources), from Proto-Indo-European *h₃ep-(i)-/*h₃op-(i)- (force, ability), from *h₃ep- (to work, toil, make; ability, force). The Welsh and Cornish words come from the same roots via Middle English office (office, employment, task, chore, etc) and Old French office (office, service) [source].

Words from the same roots include copious, copy, cornucopia, manure, omnibus, omnipotent, opera, operate and opus in English, copia (to copy, print) in Italian, oficio (profession, occupation, [religious] office) in Spanish, and office (charge, task, mandate, department, religious service, liturgical office) in French [source].

Welsh (Cymraeg)	swyddfa = office, place of business swyddfaol = pertaining to, or characteristic of, an office
Cornish (Kernewek)	sodhva = bureau, office

Etymology: from swydd / sodh (job) and -fa / -va (place) [source].

Welsh (Cymraeg)	biwrô, biwro = bureau biwrocrasi, b(i)wrocratiaeth = bureaucracy biwrocrat = bureaucrat b(i)wrocrataidd, biwricratig = bureaucratic biwrocrateiddio = to bureaucratize
Cornish (Kernewek)	buro = bureau, office
Breton (Brezhoneg)	burev [ˈbyː.rɛw] = bureau, office burever = bureaucrat bureverezh = bureaucracy burevin = to register

Etymology: from French bureau (desk, office), from Old French burel (frieze [coarse woolen cloth]), from *bure, from Late Latin burra (wool, fluff, shaggy cloth, coarse fabric, from Latin burra (a small cow with a red mouth or muzzle, a shaggy garment), from burrus (red, reddish-brown), from Ancient Greek πυρρός (purrhós – flame colored), from πῦρ (pûr – fire) [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, Teanglann.ie, Am Faclair Beag, An etymological dictionary of the Gaelic language, Fockleyreen: Manx – English Dictionary, Online Manx Dictionary, Gaelg Corpus, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Lexicon cornu-britannicum : a dictionary of the ancient Celtic language of Cornwall, Gerlyver Kernewek, Devri : Le dictionaire diachronique du breton, Dictionnaires bilingues de Francis Favereau / Edition Skol Vreizh, TermOfis

Glory

10th December 2024 By Simon

Words for glory and related things in Celtic languages.

Morning Glories (Ipomoea nil)

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	glóir [ɡloːrʲ] = glory
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	glóir, glór, gloir = glory, splendour, ornament, triumph, exaltation, uplifting
Irish (Gaeilge)	glóir [ɡlˠoːɾʲ / ɡlˠɔːɾʲ] = glory glóirdhíomhaoineach = vainglorious glóirigh = to glorify glóiritheoir = glorifier glóiriú = glorification glóirmhian = desire for glory, ambition glóirmhianach = glory-seeking, ambitious glóir-réimeach = trumphal, exulting
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	glòir [gl̪ˠɔːr] = glory glòir-dhìomhain = vainglorious glòir-mhiannach = ambitious glòireachadh [gl̪ˠɔːrʲəxəɣ] = glorifying, glorification glòiream [gl̪ˠɔːrʲəm] = pomp, pageantry glòireamach [gl̪ˠɔːrʲəməx] = pompous glòireiseach [gl̪ˠɔrʲɪʃəx] = boasting, babbling, prating
Manx (Gaelg)	gloyr = glory, celebrity, kudos gloyraghey = glorification, to glorify gloyreyder = glorifier gloyrviandagh = ambitious, fond of glory
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gloria = glory, honour, song of praise
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gloria = glory, honour, song of praise
Cornish (Kernewek)	glori = glory gloryus = glorious
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	gloir, gloar = glory
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gloar = glory

Etymology: from Latin glōria (glory, renown, fame, honour), possibly from Proto-Italic *gnōrjā, from *gnoris (knowledge), from PIE *ǵneh₃- (to know, recognize) [source].

Words from the same roots include glory and glorious in English, gloria (glory, praise) in Italian, gloire (glory) in French, glorificar (to glorify, exalt, extol, adore) in Spanish, glorie (glory, great beauty, renown or splendour) in Dutch [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	g(w)ogawn = glory, distinction, honour, joy, brightness gogaun, gogawn,gogoni = to honour, respect, glorify, gladden g(w)ogoned, gogonet = glory, honour, fame, glorious, glorified, blessed gogonedauc = glorious, exalted gogoned, gogonedd = glory, honour gogonyant = glory, exaltation, fame, honour
Welsh (Cymraeg)	g(w)ogawn = glory, distinction, honour, joy, brightness, satisfaction, fullness, plentitude, capability, energy, strong, manly, capable, full gogonaid = glorious, exalted, splendid g(w)ogoned = glory, honour, fame, glorious, glorified, blessed gogonedd = glory, honour gogoneddu = to glorify, extol, magnify, praise, bless gogoni = to honour, respect, glorify, gladden gogoniant = glory, exaltation, fame, honour

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)

g(w)ogawn = glory, distinction, honour, joy, brightness
gogaun, gogawn,gogoni = to honour, respect, glorify, gladden
g(w)ogoned, gogonet = glory, honour, fame, glorious, glorified, blessed
gogonedauc = glorious, exalted
gogoned, gogonedd = glory, honour
gogonyant = glory, exaltation, fame, honour

Welsh (Cymraeg)

g(w)ogawn = glory, distinction, honour, joy, brightness, satisfaction, fullness, plentitude, capability, energy, strong, manly, capable, full
gogonaid = glorious, exalted, splendid
g(w)ogoned = glory, honour, fame, glorious, glorified, blessed
gogonedd = glory, honour
gogoneddu = to glorify, extol, magnify, praise, bless
gogoni = to honour, respect, glorify, gladden
gogoniant = glory, exaltation, fame, honour

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *u̯o-kān, from *kan-o- (to sing) from PIE *keh₂n- / *kan- (to sing). The Welsh words coned(d) (glory, honour, pride, etc) and coneddus (glorious, exalted) probably come from the same roots [source].

Disease

27th November 2024 By Simon

Words for sickness, disease, grief and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*galarom = a distressing or painful condition, such as disease, illness, grief, sorrow
Old Irish (Goídelc)	galar = disease, pain
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	galar, galur, gallra, galara = sickness, disease, (physical) pain, mental suffering, distress, grief
Irish (Gaeilge)	galar [ˈɡɑl̪ˠəɾˠ/ˈɡɔlˠəɾˠ] = sickness, disease, affliction, misery, diseased, miserable, worthless galrach = diseased, infected, sickly, morbid galrachán = sickly creature or thing galracht = sickliness, morbidity galareagla = hypochondria galareolaí = pathologist
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	galar [gal̪ˠər] = disease, illness, malady, ailment galar-eòlas = pathology galar-sgaoilte = epidemic galarach [gal̪ˠərəx] = diseased, infective galaraich = infect
Manx (Gaelg)	gorley = disease, festering, malady darrag = oak, beam, cast (fishing), snood, hairline gorley-oaylleeaght = pathology gorlagh = diseased, infectious ym-ghorley = epidemic
Proto-Brythonic	*galar = grief, sorrow
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	galar = mourning, grief, sorrow, longing (for a deceased person), lament(ation), sighing galargyrn = horn of mourning
Welsh (Cymraeg)	galar [ˈɡalar/ˈɡaːlar] = mourning, grief, sorrow, longing (for a deceased person), lament(ation), sighing galaraeth = grief, tribulation galaru = to mourn, grieve, lament, moan, weep, wail galaraidd = mournful galargan = elegy, lament galarnadus = lamented, lamentable, mournful, plaintive
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	galar = grief, sorrow, anguish, a pang, lamentation galarow = to weep for, bewail, lament
Cornish (Kernewek)	galar [daːr / dæːr] = grief galarek = miserable galari = to grieve, lament, mourn galarow = agony
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	glachar = sorrow, afflication, pain
Breton (Brezhoneg)	glacʼhar [ˈɡlɑːɣar] = sorrow, affliction, pain glacʼhariñ [ɡlaˈɣɑː.rĩ] = to afflict, grieve glacʼharus [ɡla.ˈɣɑː.rys] = distressing, heartbreaking, desolate, painful (morally)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰelH-ro-. Possibly related to the English word gall, and the Lithuanian word žalà (damage, harm) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ankus = slaughter
Old Irish (Goídelc)	écht = slaying, exploit
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	écht, echt, eacht = a slaying, slaughter, pity, grief, sorrow, mourning, exploit, prowess, deed of valour
Irish (Gaeilge)	éacht [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = killing, slaying, slaughter, feat, exploit, achievement éachtach = full of prowess, powerful, wonderful, extraordinary éachtaí = wondrousness, extraordinariness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	euchd [iəxg] = exploit, feat, deed euchdach [iəxgəx] = heroic, daring euchdmhor = abounding in achievements, deeds or feats
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	aeth = pain, woe, grief, sorrow, longing
Welsh (Cymraeg)	aeth = pain, woe, grief, sorrow, longing, fear, fright, terror, shock aethlyd = terrible, dreadful, hideous, horrible, grievous, painful

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *n̥ḱtu, from *neḱ- (to perish, disappear) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include innocent, necropolis, nectar, noxious and nuisance in English, nuocere (to harm, injure, damage) in Italian, nuire (to harm, spoil) in French, anegar (to inundate, flood, drown) in Spanish, éag (Death, numbness) in Irish, angau (death, decease) in Welsh, and related words in the other Celtic languages [source].

Teary Drops

30th October 2024 By Simon

Words for tear, drop and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	dakrū / dakrom = tear, drop (of liquid)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dér, dǽr = tear, teardrop, drop
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dér, déor, deór = tear, drop dérach, derach = tearful, sad, lugubrious derchoínuid, derchoiniud (verbnoun) = despair, dejection, lamentation derchoíntech, dérchaintech (adjective) = despairing, tearful, sorrowful dérfadach = shedding of tears, weeping
Irish (Gaeilge)	deoir [dʲoːɾʲ/dʲɔːɾʲ] = tear(-drop), drop deoirfhliuch = tear-stained deoirghás = tear-gas deoirghinteach = lachrymatory deoircín = little drop, anecdote deoiríneacht = shedding tears, being tearfully sentimental, tearfulness, maudliness deorach = tearful, lachrymal deordradh = (act of) dripping deoraíl = (act of) weeping
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	deòr [dʲɔːr] = drop (of liquid), tear deur [dʲiər] = drop (of liquid), tear, small amount of liquid deurach [dʲiərəx] = tearful, weeping deuran [dʲiəran] = little drop, wee drop, wee tincture
Manx (Gaelg)	jeir/jëir = tear, teardrop, spot, lachrymal, lachrymatory jeir-phianaghey = to agonize jeiragh = tearful, lachrymal, mournful jeirnys = lamentation, weeping
Proto-Brythonic	*dėgr = tear (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	deigir, deigyr, deigrev = tear, teardrop, drop
Welsh (Cymraeg)	deigryn, deigr [ˈdei̯ɡrɨ̞n / ˈdei̯ɡrɪn] = tear, teardrop, drop, raindrop deigryniad = a distilling, dripping, trickling deigrynnu = to drip, trickle, distil, exude, ooze, shed tears, drizzle deigrynnol = apt to shed tears, lachrymose, tearful
Old Cornish	dacr-(lon) = tear
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dagren = a small drop, a tear
Cornish (Kernewek)	dagren [daːr / dæːr] = drop, tear dagrewi = to shed tears, weep derw = oak trees
Old Breton	dacrlon = tear, teardrop
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dar(rou) = tear(s), teardrop(s)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	daer [dɛːr] = tear, teardrop daeraouus = tearful daeraouiñ, daerin = to cry, be tearful daererezh = tearing

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European dáḱru (tear). Words from the same root include δάκρυ (dákry – tear) in Greek, tear and lacrimal/lachrymal (relating to tears, tearful) in English, tår (tear, drop) in Swedish, traan (tear, fish oil) in Dutch, Träne (tear) in German, lágrima (tear, teardrop) in Spanish, and zacchera (mud splash) in Italian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	bráen = rain, moisture, drop, precipitation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bráen, bróin, bróen = rain, moisture, drop(s) bráenach, braonach = shedding drops, wet, moist, well-watered bráenaid = to wet, sprinkle, rain bráenán = drops, shower bráenfadach = foaming (of a waterfall) bráengal = shower, sprinkling
Irish (Gaeilge)	braon [bˠɾˠeːn̪ˠ / bˠɾˠiːnˠ] = (single) drop, gathering, pus braonach = dripping, misty, wet, tearful braonaíl = dripping, drops braonán = droplet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	braon [brɯːn] = drop, drizzle braonach [brɯːnəx] = drizzly, dewy braonadh [brɯːnəɣ] = (act of) drizzling braonan [brɯːnan] = small drop (of liquid), dram
Manx (Gaelg)	brey = drop

Etymology: unknown. Possibly related to Ancient Greek βρέχω (brékhō – I send rain), Latin rigo (I water, moisten), and English rain [source].

Proto-Celtic	*bandyo- = drop
Old Irish (Goídelc)	banne = drop, pustule bannán = small drop, droplet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bannae, bainne, banne = drop, pustule, milk
Irish (Gaeilge)	bainne [ˈbˠaɲə / ˈbˠan̠ʲə] = milk bainniúil = milky, milk-yielding bainniúilacht = milkiness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bainne = milk boinne [bɔn̪ʲə] = drop, small quantity, liquid measure boinneag [bɔn̪ʲag] = droplet, little/small drop, (alcoholic) drink boinnean [bɔn̪ʲan] = droplet, wee drop
Manx (Gaelg)	bainney [banʲə] = milk
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ban = drop (?)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ban, banna, banné = drop, a jot, the smallest portion of anything
Cornish (Kernewek)	banna = bit, drop
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	banne, bannhe, bannech = drop, droplet
Breton (Brezhoneg)	banne [ˈbã.nːe] = drop, droplet, glass banneata = to drink shots

Etymology: uncertain. Possibly related to French bain (bath) in French, baño (bath, bathroom, toilet), bagno (bath, to swin, bathe, bathroom) in Italian, and bania (jug, can, container, churn) in Polish [source].

Sufficiently Enough

23rd October 2024 By Simon

This post looks into words for enough, sufficient and related things in the Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	ɸroweros = many, enough, sufficient laweros = many, enough, sufficient
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lór = enough, sufficient, sufficiency
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lór, loor, lour, leór, lour = enough, sufficient, great, ample, adequate, competent; sufficiently
Irish (Gaeilge)	leor [l̠ʲoːɾˠ/l̠ʲɔːɾˠ] = sufficient, ample, go leor = enough, plenty leorchúiteamh = indemnification leordhóthain = sufficiency, plenty leorgnhíomh = full amends, reparation, restitution
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leòr [̪lʲɔːr] = satiety, sufficency gu leòr [gə l̪ʲɔːr] = enough, sufficient(ly), galore leòr-ghnìomh = satisfaction leòrachd = amplitude
Manx (Gaelg)	liooar = sufficient dy liooar = adequate, ample, enough, galore, sufficient, umpteen
Proto-Brythonic	*llower =
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llauer, llawer = many, lot, much, abundance, large quantity, frequent, numerous llauered, llawered, llavered = many, large number(s), lot(s), much, abundance
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llawer [ˈɬau̯.ɛr] = many, lot, much, abundance, large quantity, frequent, numerous llaweredd = many, large number(s), lot(s), much, abundance llawerhau = to multiply
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lower, = many, much
Cornish (Kernewek)	lower = many, much lower gweyth = often

Etymology: the reconstruction of the Proto-Celtic root is disputed – both possibilities are given. *laweros is possibly from *leh₂w- (to seize, to gain, benefit, prize) [source], which is also the root of the English word lucre (money, riches, wealth), the Swedish word lön (reward, salary, wage), the Irish word luach (value, price, reward), and the Welsh word golud (wealth, riches) [source].

The English word galore comes from Irish go leor and/or Scottish Gaelic gu leòr [source].

Proto-Celtic	sātis = sufficiency, fill sāss-ā- = to satisfy
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sáth [saːθ] = satiety sáith = fill (of food), sufficiency sáthech = sated, satiated, satisfied sáithigid = to satiate, satisfy
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sáith, sáth, sāth = sufficiency, as much as one requires, fill (of food), customary meal, appetite sáthech, sathach, sāithech = satisfied, filled, content, flourishing sáithigid, saithigudh = to satiate, satisfy
Irish (Gaeilge)	sáith [sˠɑː(h)/sˠaːç] = (full) meal, feed, fill, sufficiency, enough sáithigh = to sate, satiate, saturate sáithitheach = saturating sáithiú = satiety, saturation
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sàth [saː] = plenty, abundance, fill sàthach [saː.əx] = filling, satiating; satiated person, bellyful, plenty, enough sàthachadh [saː.əxəɣ] = (act of) sating sàthachd [saː.əxg] = satuaration
Manx (Gaelg)	saie = satiety, fill, satisfaction, replete, satiated saiaghey = to satisfy, saturate saieagh = satiating, satisfied saieid = satiation, repletion, glut saieys = satiety, repletion, sufficiency

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *seh₂- (to satiate, satisfy) [source], which is also the root of sad, satisfy and satiety in English; satt (not hungry, satiated, full, done) in German; zat (fed up, drink, sated, full) in Dutch; sazio (sated, full up) in Italian, and sāts (moderation, satiety, fill) in Latvian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	doíthin = sufficency
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	doíthin, doéthain, deothin = a sufficiency, enough doíthenach = satiated, satisfied
Irish (Gaeilge)	dóthain [ˈd̪ˠoːhənʲ/ˈd̪ˠɔhənʲ] = enough, sufficiency dóthanach = satiated, fed up, tired dóthanacht = satiety
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	daothain [dɯː.ɪn̪ʲ] = sufficency, fill

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic	*dīkāneti = (?)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	dicone = to do, make, act, perform
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	digaun, digawn, digaunt = enough, sufficiency, plenty diconher, digoni = to do, make, act, perform
Welsh (Cymraeg)	digon [ˈdɪɡɔn] = enough, sufficiency, plenty, abundance, adequate, plentiful, ample digoni = to do, make, act, perform, to satisfy, suffice, fill, satiate, digonol = adequate

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Celtic *dī- (from, of) and *kān- (sound) [source].

Breton words for enough, sufficient, etc include:

trawalc’h = enough (of), enough!
bast = sufficient
brasoni = sufficiency
sufis = sufficient, adequate

Etymology: unknown.

Darkness

8th October 2024 By Simon

Words for dark, gloom and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*temeslos = darkness
Old Irish (Goídelc)	teimen = dark, obscure teimel, teimne [ˈtʲeβ̃ʲel] = darkness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	teim. tem = dark teimen, temen, teimean = dark, obscure teimel, temel, temul = darkness, gloom, dejection, stain, blemish, fault, death
Irish (Gaeilge)	teimheal = darkness, gloom, tarnish, stain, smudge, trace, sign teimhleach = dark, gloomy, tarnished, stained teimhleacht = spottiness, smudigness teimhligh = to darken, obscure, tarnish, stain teimhlitheach = tarnishing, staining teimhneach = dark, opaque teimhneacht = darkness, opacity
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	teamhall [tʲiəv] = slight swoon, stun
Proto-Brythonic	temēl(os) = darkness tɨβ̃uɨl = darkness
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	timuil = darkness, gloom
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tywyll, tyỽyll = dark, opaque tywyllu, tyỽylla = to make or become dark, darken, make or become blind tewyllvc = to darken, grow dim tyỽyllỽc, tywyllỽc, tywylluc, tywyllwc = darkness, opacity, blindness, dim-sightedness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tywyll [ˈtəu̯.ɨ̞ɬ/ˈtəu̯.ɪɬ] = dark, opaque, blind, dim (of sight), obscure, neutral, darkness, gloom tywyllu = to make or become dark, darken, make or become blind tywyllhau = to darken, grow dim tywyllwch [ˈtwəɬʊχ/ˈtʊɬʊχ] = darkness, opacity, blindness, dim-sightedness, eclipse
Old Cornish	tiwoulgou = darkness
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tewal = dark, dusky, obscure tewlder, tulder = darkness tewolgow, tiwulgou = darkness, obscurity
Cornish (Kernewek)	tewal, tewl = dark, gloomy, murky, sombre tewlder = darkness, gloom tewlhe = to darken tewlwolow = dusk, half-light tewolgow = darkness
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	temoel = dark, gloomy
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	teffoal, teffal, teual = dark, gloomy teffalhat = to darken, obscure
Breton (Brezhoneg)	teñval [ˈtẽː.val] = dark, gloomy, sad, dreary, suspicious, deaf, unintelligible, incomprehensible teñvalaat [tẽvaˈlɑːt] = to darken, obscure teñvalded [tẽˈval.det] = darkness teñvalijenn [tẽ.vaˈliː.ʒɛn] = darkness, shadow teñvalus [tẽˈvaːlys] = dark, obscure, mysterious, sombre

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *témHos (darkness), from *temH- (dark) [source]. Words from the same roots include temerity, tenebrous (dark, gloomy, obscure) in English, tamsa (darkness) in Lithuanian, finster (dark, gloomy) and Dämmerung (twilight) in German, tenebre (darkness, obscurity) in Italian, and tiniebla (shadow) in Spanish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	dorchae [ˈdorxɘ] = dark, gloomy, obscure, morose dorchaide = dark, dense dorchatus = darkness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dorcha(e) = dark, gloomy, obscure, morose dorchaigid = to grow dark, eclipse, darken, obscure dorchatu, dorchato = darkness
Irish (Gaeilge)	dorcha [ˈd̪ˠɔɾˠəxə] = darkness, obscurity, dark, obscure, blind, secretive dorchacht = dark state, darkness dorchadas = darkness, secrecy, reserve dorchaigh = to darken, become secretive, reserved
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dorch [dɔrɔx] = dark, black, dusky, mysterious, obscure dorcha [dɔrɔxə] = dark, dusky, sombre, murky dorchadas [dɔrɔxədəs] = darkness, obscurity, mysteriousness dorchaich [dɔrɔxɪç] = darken, make dark
Manx (Gaelg)	doorey = obscurity, shade, eclipse dorraghey = dark, dusk(y), gloomy, enigmatic, mysterious, obscure dorraghys = blackness, darkness, obscurity

Etymology: uncertain [source].

Voices

24th September 20241st October 2024 By Simon

Words for voice, word, sound and related things in Celtic languages.

Bangor Community Choir singing at Bodnant Garden / Côr Cymunedol Bangor yn canu yng Ngardd Bodnant

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*gutus = voice
Gaulish	gutus = voice (?) GVTVATER / gutuater** = priest / druid
Old Irish (Goídelc)	guth [ɡʊθ] = voice, word, sound
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	guth, gotha, gotho = voice, sound, word, vowel, aspersion, blame, censure, slander
Irish (Gaeilge)	guth [ɡɯh/ɡʊ(h)] = voice, human voice, blame, reproach, censure guta = vowel guthach = vocal, vocalic guthaigh = to voice, vocalize, sing, censure, reproach guthaíl = voicing, calling guthaíocht = vocalization, voice, vote gutháire = yell(ing), shout(ing) guthán = telephone
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	guth [guh] = voice, tone of voice, mention, word guth-cheòl = intonation guthach [guhəx] = vocal, vocalic, vocied guathachadh [guhəxəɣ] = (act of) calling, vocalizing, vocalization, voicing (in linguistics) guthaich [guhɪç] = call, vocalize, voice guthlag [guhl̪ˠag] = larynx guthlagail [guhl̪ˠagal] = laryngeal
Manx (Gaelg)	goo = voice, word, utterance, reputation, fame gooagh = loquacious, sonant, vocal, vocalic, voiced, wordy goolag = larynx

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰuH-tu-s (to call on, invoke), from *ǵʰewH- (to call on, invoke) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include zavêt (to cast a spell) in Latvian, զավեշտ (zavešt – joke, farce) in Armenia, звать (zvatʹ – to call, invite) in Russian, and зова (zova – to call, summon, name) in Bulgarian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	glór [ɡloːr] = voice, sound glórach = noisy
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	glór, glóir, glár = voice, sound, noise glórach = loud-voiced, noisy, vociferous glórda = loud, resonant glúarda = noisy, vociferous
Irish (Gaeilge)	glór [ɡl̪ˠoːɾˠ/ɡl̪ˠɔːɾˠ] = voice, human voice, speech, utterance, sound, noise glórach = loud-voiced, sonorous, noisy, vociferous, voiced (consonant, etc) glórachán = loud-voiced, vociferous person glóraí = loudness, sonorousness glóraigh = to voice, vocalize glóraíl = sound of voices, vociferation, noisiness glórmhach = tumult of voice, commotion, clamour
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	glòr [gl̪ˠɔːrʲ] = speech, utterance
Manx (Gaelg)	glare [ɡlɛːr] = voice, utterance, speech, language glaraghey = voice glareydagh = linguistic, linguist

Etymology: possibly from Latin glōria (glory, renown, fame, honour) [source], from Proto-Indo-European *ǵneh₃- (to know, recognize). Words from the same roots include canny, cunning, glory and know in English; gloria (glory, praise) in Italian; and glorie (glory, great beauty, renown, splendour) in Dutch [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	lew, llef = shout, cry, wail, roar, yell, sound, voice, speech, utterance llevein, lleuein, llefain = to cry (out), exclaim, shout, lament, call, entreat, weep, shout leuan = (loud) shout, cry, scream leueir, lawaraw, llafaro = to speak, utter, say, tell
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llef [ɬɛv] = shout, cry, wail, roar, yell, sound, voice, speech, utterance llefaf, llefain = to cry (out), exclaim, shout, lament, call, entreat, weep, shout llefair = enunciation, spoken word, speech, talkative adlef [ˈadlɛv] = echo, reverberation
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lef, lêf = voice, sound, cry lefa = to cry aloud, shout
Cornish (Kernewek)	lev = voice dre lev = vocal levbost = voicemail
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	lem = complaint, groan, wail
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	leff = complaint, groan, wail leuaff = to cry, moan
Breton (Brezhoneg)	leñv, leñ = groan, complaint, plaintive cry, moaning; voice, cry (archaic) leñvañ [ˈlẽː.vã] = to cry, scream, groan, bleat leñver = to cry leñverez = crying

Etymology: from Proto-Brythonic *laβar (eloquent), from Proto-Celtic *ɸlabros (talkative) [source]. For more related words, see the Celtiadur post Talkative

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	lleis = voice lleisiaf, lleisiaw, lleisio = to use the voice, vocalize, sing
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llais [ɬai̯s/ɬai̯ʃ] = voice, vocal capacity, talk, report, tidings, rumour, vote lleisgar = vociferous, loud-mouthed, resonant lleisiad = voicing, sounding, tone, intonation lleisio [ˈɬei̯ʃɔ] = to use the voice, vocalize, sing lleisiol [ˈɬei̯ʃɔl] = vocal, spoken, oral, voiced lleisydd [ˈɬei̯sɨ̞ð/ˈɬei̯sɪð] = vocalist, loud hailer, loudspeaker

Etymology: maybe from Welsh llafar (loud, vociferous, sonorous, speech, voice, sound) [source], from Proto-Brythonic *laβar (eloquent), from Proto-Celtic *ɸlabros (talkative), possibly from Proto-Indo-European *pl̥b-ró-s, from *pleb- (to babble) [source]. See also the Celtiadur post Talkative

Old Breton (Brethonoc)	*voes = voice
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	moez = voice
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mouezh = voice, vote mouezhian = to express oneself, vote mouezhierezh = election, electorate

Etymology: from Old French voiz (voice), from Latin vōcem (), from vōx (voice, accent, speech, word), from Proto-Italic *wōks, from Proto-Indo-European *wṓkʷs (speech, voice), from wekʷ- (to speak, sound out) [source]. Words from the same roots include vocal, voice and vowel in English, and voix (voice, vote) in French [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	son = sound, word
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	son, soun, són = sound, word, name
Irish (Gaeilge)	son = sound; word, name (literary) sonach = sonic sonarach = ringing sound, clangour sonda = sonant, sonorous sondáil = to sound sondas = sonorousness, sonority
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sòn† = sound, voice, word
Manx (Gaelg)	sonn = sound sonnagh = sonic
Proto-Brythonic	*son = sound (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	son, sson = report, rumour, mention, word, message, talk, fame, sound, noise, clamour sonfawr, sonuaỽr, sonuawr = sonorous, noisy, audible, loquacious sonyo, sonio = to mention, rumour, proclaim, talk, speak, say, utter
Welsh (Cymraeg)	sôn [soːn] = report, rumour, mention, word, message, talk, fame, sound, noise, clamour sonfawr = sonorous, noisy, audible, loquacious soniaf, sôn, sonio = to mention, rumour, proclaim, talk, speak, say, utter soniarus = sonorous, resounat, vibrant sŵn [sʊːn] = sound, noise, clmour, din, report, rumour, talk
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	son, sôn = sound, noise, report, speech
Cornish (Kernewek)	son = noise, sound sonek = sonic sonlergh = soundtrack sononieth = acoustics sononiethel = acoutic sonskrif = recording sonskrifa = to record
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	soun, son = sound sounaff = to ring, resound
Breton (Brezhoneg)	son [sɔ̃ːn] = sound, song seniñ [ˈsẽːnĩ] = to ring, resound, honk, sing, rustle (water), play (an instrument) soner = to ring, say, pronounce sonerez [sɔ̃.ˈneː.res] = doorbell, bell, horn sonerezh = music, sound system

Etymology: from Latin sonus (sound, noise, pitch, speech, tone, voice), from Proto-Indo-European *swónh₂os, from *swenh₂- (to sound) [source]. Words from the same roots include resound, sonnet, sonic, sound and swan in English, sonner (to sound, ring) in French, sonar (to sound, ring, play) in Spanish, honni (to allege, claim, assert) in Welsh, and seinn (to sing, play an instrument) in Irish and Scottish Gaelic [source].

The Welsh word sŵn was borrowed from Middle English soun (sound), while sôn comes from Latin via Middle Welsh and Proto-Brythonic. They both ultimately come from the same PIE roots.

Leader in Chief

16th September 2024 By Simon

Words for chief, leader, prince and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	towissus, tuwestus tuwissus = act of leading, beginning, leadership towissākos = chief, primary, first
Primitive Irish	ᚈᚑᚃᚔᚄᚐᚉᚔ (tovisaci) = chief (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tús, tuus [tuːs] = beginning, forefront toísech [ˈtoːi̯sʲəx] = leader, chief, first, initial, primary
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tús, tuus = act of leading, forefront, precedence, pre-eminence, rank toísech, tósich, toissech = first, former, prior, first in importance, sooner, leader, chief toísechda = first toísecht, taiseachda, taiseachta = chieftainship, act of leading toísenach, taoisinach = leadership, chieftainship
Irish (Gaeilge)	tús [t̪ˠuːsˠ] = beginning, commencement, start, origin, forward, leading, position, precedence, pick, choice taoiseach [ˈt̪ˠiːʃəx] = chieftain, leader, man of substance, important person, decent/generous person ; first, former Taoiseach = (Irish) Prime Minister, Taoiseach taoiseacht = chieftainship, leadership
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tùs [tuːs] = beginning, origin, inception tòiseach [tɔʃəx] = beginning, front, van, forefront, bow (of a ship); chief of a clan or tribe Tòiseach [tɔːʃɪç] = a Macintosh, any member of Clan MacKintosh tòiseachail [tɔʃəxal] = primitive, rudimentary tòiseachd [tɔʃəxg] = (act of) beginning, starting, precedence
Manx (Gaelg)	tosh = chieftain toshiagh = chief(tain), leader, premier, offset, toe, forepart toshiaght = beginning, fore(front), lead, opening, outset, bow (of a ship) Toshiaght Arree = February (“start of spring”) Toshiaght Fouyir = August (“start of autumn”) Toshiaght Gheuree = November (“start of winter”) toshiaghey = to begin, start, initiate
Proto-Brythonic	togwɨs = leadership towɨssọg = leader, chief, king, prince
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tywys = forward position, front, fore, leader, lead, guidance towys, tywyssav = to lead, guide, show the way, escort, direct touyssoc, tywyssaỽc, tywyssavc, tywyssawc, tyỽyssaỽc = prince, lore, sovereign, leader, ruler, governor, captain, guide, leader tehuyokaet, tywyssogaeth = principality, kingdom, rule, reign, sovereignty tywysoges = princess, female sovereign, ruler or leader
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tywys [təu̯.ˈis] = forward position, front, fore, leader, lead, guidance tywysu, tywys(i)o = to lead, guide, show the way, escort, direct tywysiad = leading, leadership, guidance, direction, introduction, (water) conduit tywysog [təu̯.ˈəsɔɡ/ˈtwəsɔɡ] = prince, lord, sovereign, leader, ruler, governor, captain, guide, leader tywysog(i)aeth = principality, kingdom, rule, reign, sovereignty, supremacy, government tywysogaidd = princely, royal, noble, splendid tywysoges = princess, female sovereign, ruler or leader
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	toguisoc = ?

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *towissus (leadership), *to- (to(wards)) and *wissus (knowledge), Proto-Indo-European *wéydtus, from *weyd- (to see) [source]. Words from the same roots include pavilion in English, papillon (butterfly, brilliant, versatile and inconstant person) in French, farfalla (butterfly, bow tie, butterly-shaped pasta) in Italian, papion (bowtie) in Romanian, paipala (quail) in Latvian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	úachtarán = chief, leader
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	úachtarán, uachtarán = head, leader, chief, president, governor, ruler, overseer
Irish (Gaeilge)	uachtarán [uəxt̪ˠəɾˠɑːnˠ] = president, head, superior, headmaster, landowner (archaic) Uachtarán = President uachtaránacht = presidency, authority, power
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uachdaran [uəxgəran] = laird, landowner, proprietor, superior uachdaranach [uəxgərənəx] = superior, paramount uachdaranachd [uəxgərənəxg] = dominion, supremacy uachdaranas [uəxgranəs] = jurisdiction
Manx (Gaelg)	eaghtyran(e) = president, superior, chief eaghtyraneagh = presidential eaghtyraneys = presidency

Etymology: from Old Irish *úachtar (surface, top, cream), from Proto-Celtic *ouxteros (upper), from *(o)uxs- (up) and *wissus (knowledge), Proto-Indo-European *h₃ewp- (up) [source]. Words for Up Above, etc in Celtic languages come from the same roots.

Proto-Brythonic	*penno-tam-īkos = chief, leader
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pendewic, pen(n)deuic, pendefig = chief, leader, ruler, king, prince, lord, noble(man), gentleman pendevigiaeth, pendeuigaeth = kingship, principality, supremacy, pre-eminence, domination, government, power pendevigyeid = aristocratic, noble
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pendefig = chief, leader, ruler, king, prince, lord, noble(man), gentleman pendefigaeth = kingship, principality, supremacy, pre-eminence, domination, government, power pendefig(i)aidd = aristocratic, noble pendefiges = queen, lady, peeress, noblewoman
Old Cornish	pendeuig = prince, chief, noble(man)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pendevig, pensevic, pednz(h)ivig = prince, chief, noble(man), principal pednzivigian = nobility, gentry
Cornish (Kernewek)	pennseviges, pednsyviges = princess pennsevigeth = principality pennsevik, pednsyvik = chief, noble, prince
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	*pendemic = rich (?)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pynuizyc, pinuisic, pinuizic = rich man pinuizigaez = wealth pinuizic, pinuzic = rich pinuizicat = to enrich, to get rich
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pinvidik [pĩnˈviːdik] = rich pinvidikaat = to enrich, to get rich pinvidikaerezh = enrichment, wealth

Etymology: from Proto-Brythonic *penno-tamos = the most in chief, from *penn (head), from Proto-Celtic *kʷennom (head), the origins of which are not known [source].

More words for prince, chief, ruler, etc can be found in the Celtiadur posts Lord, Ruler and Country and Land.

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

Tented Pavilions

4th September 202414th September 2024 By Simon

Words for tents, pavilions and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	pupall [ˈpubal͈] = tent
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	pupall, pupaill, pupla = tent, pavilion, awning
Irish (Gaeilge)	puball [ˈpˠʊbˠəl̪ˠ] = tent, pavilion
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	pùball [puːbəl̪ˠ] = marquee, pavilion, tent pùballach = tented, full of tents or booths
Proto-Brythonic	*pėbɨll = tent (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pebyll = tent
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pabell, pebyll [ˈpabɛɬ] = tent, dwelling, portable shelter, camp, pavilion, tabernacle, booth, canopy, arbour, bower, sanctuary; mantle, cloak pabell(i)af, pabelllu, pabellio = to pitch a tent, camp, encamp, dwell pabellog = held in a tent, full of tents
Cornish (Kernewek)	pabel = pavilion
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pabell [pɑː.bɛl] = pavilion, large tent, marquee

Etymology: from Vulgar Latin păpiliō, from Latin pāpiliō (butterfly, moth, soul of a dead person, tent), probably a reduplicated form of Proto-Indo-European *pal- (to feel, touch, shake) [source]. The Breton word pabell was borrowed from Welsh [source].

Words from the same roots include pavilion in English, papillon (butterfly, brilliant, versatile and inconstant person) in French, farfalla (butterfly, bow tie, butterly-shaped pasta) in Italian, papion (bowtie) in Romanian, paipala (quail) in Latvian [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	pailliún = tent, pavilion
Irish (Gaeilge)	pailliún = pavilion
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	pàillean [paːlʲan] = pavilion, tabernacle pàillean còmhlain = bandstand
Manx (Gaelg)	paal = pavilion, pen, hedge, fence, coop, enclosure, ring, enclave paalan = booth, tent paalan buillvollee = marquee paalan clagganagh = bell tent
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pauillon = pavilion, tent
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pavilhon = pavilion, tent

Etymology: from Latin palla (cloak, mantle), possibly from Proto-Indo-European *pel- (to cover, to wrap, skin, hide, cloth), or possibly a substrate loan. Words from the same roots include camouflage, film, muffle, pall and pelt in English, piel (skin, fur) in Spanish, and peau (skin, hide, fur) in French [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	lluesteu, lluest = tent lluestu = to camp, live under canvas, etc lluestuy = tent, booth, shieling, cottage, lodge, cabin, hut
Welsh (Cymraeg)	lluest [ˈɬɨ.ɛst] = tent lluestaf, lluestu = to lodge temporarily in the open, in a tent or in tents, live under canvas, accomodate, quarter, billet, pitch tent(s), set up camp lluestai = quartermaster lluestfa = camp, encampment, military quarters, barracks lluesty [ˈɬjɛstɨ̞/ˈɬjɛsti] = tent, booth, shieling, cottage, lodge, cabin, hut

Etymology: from llu (host, multitude) and gwest (lodging) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	tabernacuil [ˈpubal͈] = booth, tabernacle, tent
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tabernacuil, tabernacul = tent, booth, hut, heaven, tabernacle, temple, shrine
Irish (Gaeilge)	taibernacal = tabernacle
Manx (Gaelg)	tabernacle = tabernacle
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tabernacl = tabernacle
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tabernakl, tabarlank [taˈbɛr.nak(l)] = tabernacle

Etymology: from Latin tabernāculum (tent, tabernacle), from taberna (shop, store, inn, tavern, saloon, hut, shed), from trabs (timber, beam, rafter, tree trunk), from PIE *treb- (wooden beam). Words from the same roots include tabernacle and tavern in English, taberna (pub, tavern) in Spanish, tafarn (pub, tavern) in Welsh, and other words for tavern / pub in Celtic languages [source].

Furrowed Trenches

31st August 202431st August 2024 By Simon

Words for furrow, trench and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	ɸrikā = furrow enterɸrikyā = furrow
Gaulish	rikā/ricā = furrow
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rech = furrow etrech = furrow
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	etarche, etrige, eitre = furrow, groove, channel
Irish (Gaeilge)	eitre [ˈɛtʲəɾʲə] = furrow, groove, ridge eitreach = furrowed, grooved, rifled eitrigh = furrow, groove
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eitre = trench, furrow
Manx (Gaelg)	eerey = furrow length, plough length
Proto-Brythonic	*rrɨx = furrow
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rych, rich, rrych = trench, ditch, furrow, groove
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhych [r̥ɨːχ/r̥iːχ] = trench, ditch, furrow, groove, streak, wrinkle, cleft, cleavage rhychiad = crease, wrinkle, furrowing, trenching, chamfering rhych(i)og = furrowed, wrinkled, shrivelled rhychu = to cut a trench, cut into rows, plough, groove, corrugate, make or become wrinkled
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	rec = furrow
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	rec = furrow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	reg = line, furrow

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *pr̥keh₂ (furrow), from *perḱ- (to open, rip up, dig) [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via Gaulish *rikā (furrow) and Latin riga (line, stripe), include rega (furrow, ladder / run [in a stocking]) in Catalan, raie (stripe, parting, line) in French, porca (ridge between furrows, balk line) in Italian, alporquia (layering – developing a new plant from the branch of a tree) in Portuguese, porcoi (haystack, hay bale, heap, pile, bunch) in Romanian, and erreka (river, stream, ravine) in Basque [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include furrow, farrow and pig in English, Furche (furrow) in German, fåra (furrow, groove) in Swedish, porsas (piglet, pork) in Finnish, and arc [aɾˠk] (piglet) in Irish [source].

Other words for Ditches and Trenches and Grave Ditches in Celtic languages.

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Italian (italiano)

Offices

Glory

Disease

Teary Drops

Sufficiently Enough

Darkness

Voices

Leader in Chief

Tented Pavilions

Furrowed Trenches