Stormy Weather

27th January 2024 By Simon

Words for storm and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*sīnā = weather
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sín [ˈsʲiːn/ˈsʲiːnʲ] = storm, tempest, (bad) weather
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sín = bad weather, storm, weather, season, circumstances, atmosphere, attitude
Irish (Gaeilge)	síon = weather (usually bad, stormy) síonra = atmospheric agencies, elements
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sian [ʃiən] = violent weather, the elements, whizzing sound, squall, shriek sianach [ʃiənəx] = stormy, squally, shrieking sianail = (act of) shrieking, yelling siantach [ʃiən̪ˠdəx] = pertaining to generally bad weather marcach-siana = spindrift (spray coming off stormy sea), undulating (sheets of) rain uisge nan seachd sian = almighty downpour, cloudburst, deluge, rainstorm
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hin = (bad) weather, air hinda, hindda = dry/fine/fair weather hinon = (fair) weather, dry weather, sunshine hinoni = to become fine, clear up, bask in the sun
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hin = (bad) weather, air hindreuliad = a weathering hindreuliaf, hindreulio = to weather hindda = dry/fine/fair weather hinddanaf, hinddanu = to become fine, clear up (of weather) hinfynag, = barometer hinon = (fair) weather, dry weather, sunshine hinonaf, hinoni = to become fine, clear up, bask in the sun hinsawdd = climate
Cornish (Kernewek)	hin = climate hinek = climatic
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hynon = serene, clear weather
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hin = climate hinon = serene, serenity hinoniñ = to have a peaceful time

Etymology: possibly related to Proto-Celtic *sīniti (to stretch, extend), from *sīros (long), from PIE *seh₁- (long, lasting), or *temp- (to stretch) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	anfud = tempest, storm
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	anbod, anfud = tempest, storm, turbulence, fury, rage anfadach = stormy, perturbed, agitated
Irish (Gaeilge)	anfa [ˈanˠəfˠə] =storm, tempest anfach = stormy, rough, tempestuous anfacht = storminess

Etymology: unknown [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	doinenn = stormy weather, tempest
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	doinenn = foul or stormy weather, tempest doinennta = stormy, tempestuous, inclement
Irish (Gaeilge)	doineann [ˈd̪ˠɪn̠ʲən̪ˠ] = stormy weather, storm. wintriness, cheerlessness doineanta = stormy, wild, inclement (weather), wintry, cheerless (person) doineantach = cheerless, cold-mannered, person; gloomy old man doineantacht = storminess, inclemency (weather), wintriness, cheerlessness (demeanour)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	doineann [dɤn̪ʲan̪ˠ] = storm, tempest doineannach [dɔn̪ʲən̪ˠəx] = stormy doireannach [dɔrʲən̪ˠəx] = stormy
Manx (Gaelg)	dorrin = storm, tempest dorrinagh = stormy, tempestuous dorrinys = storminess, tempestuousness, raging

Etymology: unknown [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	stoirm = storm
Irish (Gaeilge)	stoirm [ˈsˠt̪ˠɪɾʲəmʲ] = storm, bluster, rage stoirmeach = stormy, tempestuous
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	stoirm [sdɤrʲɤm] = storm stoirmeil [sdɤrʲɤmal] = stormy
Manx (Gaelg)	sterrym = storm sterrymagh = stormy sterrymid = storminess
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ystorm, ystorym = storm, tempest
Welsh (Cymraeg)	(y)storm = storm, tempest (y)stormio = to become stormy, bluster, rain heavily, rant, scold (y)stormus = stormy, tempestuous, turbulent, boisterous

Etymology: from Middle English storm (storm, dispute, brawl, fight), from Old English storm (storm), from Proto-West-Germanic *sturm (storm), from Proto-Germanic *sturmaz (storm), from PIE *(s)twerH- (to stir up, agitate, urge on, propel) [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tywyd = weather
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tywydd [ˈtəu̯.ɨ̞ð / ˈtəu̯.ɪð] = weather, bad or stormy weather tywyddiant = meterology tywyddol = pertaining to the weather
Cornish (Kernewek)	tewedh = storm tewedha = to weather

Etymology: unknown

More about words for weather (and time) in 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

Bees

17th January 2024 By Simon

Words for bee, sting and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	bekos/bikos = bee
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bech [bʲex] = bee
Middle Irish	bech [bʲex] = bee bechlann [bʲex] = beehive bechatoir, beachadoir = (hereditary) beekeeper bechda = full of bees
Irish (Gaeilge)	beach [bʲax] = bee beachaire = beekeeper, beehive beachaireacht = beekeeping beachlann = apiary
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beach [bɛx] = bee, wasp beachach [bɛxəx] = pertaining to or abounding in bees or wasps beachair [bɛxɪrʲ] = beehive beachan [bjaxər̪ˠn̪ˠ] = small bees or wasps
Proto-Brythonic	*bɨg = bee
Middle Welsh (Cymraeg)	byg = bee bedaf, bydaf = bees’ nest, beehive bygegyr = drone
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bygegyr, begegyr = drone bydaf = swarm or nest of (wild) bees, bees’ nest and honey therein, beehive

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *bʰik-/bʰoyk- (bee), from*bʰey- (bee) [source]. Words from the same roots include bee in English, and fuco (drone – male bee) in Italian [source].

Middle Irish	teillenn = swarm of bees
Irish (Gaeilge)	seileán = (wild) honey bee
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	seillean [ʃel̪ʲan] = bee
Manx (Gaelg)	shellan [ˈʃɛlʲan] = bee shelleig, shellaig = beehive, hive

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wan-inyo- = bee (?)
Middle Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwanan, gwenyn = bees gwenynen, guenenen = bee gwenynllestyr = beehive
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwenyn = bees gwenynen = bee gwenynaf, gwenynu = to keep bees gwenynllais = a humming (of bees) gwenynlle = beehive gwenynog = apiary, bee-garden, pertaining to bees, abounding in bees gwenynydd = beekeeper, apiarist gwenynyddiaeth = beekeeping
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwanan, gwenyn = bees gwenynen, guenenen = bee
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwenen = bees gwenenen = bee gwenen sia = bumble bee
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	guenan, guënan = bees guenanenn, guennanen = bee
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwenan, gwenen, gweren = bees gwenanenn = bee gwenaneg = apiary gwenaner = beekeeper gwenanerezh = beekeeping, apiculture

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *wano- (tip, sting) [source], from PIE *gʷʰen- (to strike, slay, kill). Words from the same root include bane, defend, fence and gun , and words for to stab, sting, wound, etc. in Celtic languages (see below) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*gʷaneti = to strike, wound, kill, slay
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gonaid [ˈɡonɨðʲ] = to pierce, wound con·goin = to pierce, wound
Middle Irish	gonaid = to pierce, wound
Irish (Gaeilge)	goin = to wound, stab, sting, hurt goinbhlasta = piquant goineach = wounding, piercing, hurtful goineadóir = wounder, sharp-tongued person goineog = stab, sting, prick, cutting remark, thrust, gibe goineogacht = cutting remarks, gibing
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	goin [gɔn̪ʲ] = wound, stab, sting, stabbing, stinging goineag [gɔnag] = nip, pinch, twitch, canine (tooth) goineanta [gɔn̪ʲən̪ˠdə] = keen, piercing gointe [gɔn̪ʲdʲə] = sorely wounded, bewitched gointeach [gɔn̪ʲdʲəx] = wounding, stabbing, stinging, agonizing
Manx (Gaelg)	guin = pain, stitch, pang guinn = insect bite, pain, smart guinney = needle, pain, sting, wound, wounding gonnid = pain, peevishness, smarting, soreness
Proto-Brythonic	gwėnɨd [ɡwe̝ˈnɨːð] = to strike, kill ėdwėnɨd = to strike again
Middle Welsh (Cymraeg)	gvant, guant, gwanu = to stab, prick, deeply, pierce
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwanu [ˈɡwanɨ̞ / ˈɡwa(ː)ni] = to stab, prick, deeply, pierce, perforate, penetrate, kill, strike, thrust (also written gwanaf or gwân)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwane = to thrust, penetrate, pierce, stab, stick gwenys, gwynys = pierced, stabbed, stung
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwana = to pierce, stab, sting gwan = jab, prick, sting omwana = to stab oneself
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	goano, goanaff, goan = to prick, grip, squeeze, annoy
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwanañ = to sting, punish, macerate gwanerezh = maceration gwanikennan = to prick

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *gʷʰénti (to be striking down, killing, slaying), from*gʷʰen- (to strike, slay, kill) [source].

Modestly Humble

10th January 202410th January 2024 By Simon

Words for modest and related things in Celtic languages.

Modestly Humble

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*wēlos = modest
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fíal [fʲiːa̯l] = becoming, generous, genteel, seemly, well-bred
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	fíal = decorous becoming, seemly (of conduct or behavious), modest, chaste, well-bred, honourable, noble fíalmar = noble-natured, generous
Irish (Gaeilge)	fial [fʲiəlˠ] = seemly, proper, noble, generous, hospitable fialmhaireacht = open-handedness, generosity fialmhaitheas = goodness of heart, generosity fialmhar = open-handed, generous
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fial [fiəl̪ˠ] = generous, unstinting, liberal, open-handed, bountiful, hospitable fial-chridheachd = altruism fial-inntinneach = open-minded, liberal-minded fialach [fiəl̪ˠəx] = generous, unstinting, liberal, open-handed, bountiful, hospitable fialachd [fiəl̪ˠəxg] = generosity, liberality fialaiche = provider of hospitality
Manx (Gaelg)	feoilt = benevolent, bountiful, generous, munificent feoiltagh = benevolent, bounteous, free, lavish, liberal, unselfish
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	guiled = shame
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guyl, gwyl, gŵyl = modest, bashful, unassuming, unobstrusive guilat, gwylat = merry, glad, lively gwylder = modesty, bashfulness, humility, feeling faint gvilet, gwylet, gwyled = modesty, humility, gentleness, shame
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gŵyl = [ɡuːɨ̯l/ɡʊi̯l] = modest, bashful, unassuming, unobstrusive, mild, tender, gentle, gracious, joyous, glad, generous, kind gwylad = merry, glad, lively gwyldeb = modesty, bashfulness gwylader, gwyldra = modesty, bashfulness, humility, feeling faint gwyledd = modesty, humility, gentleness, meekness, courtesy, graciousness, joy, shame

Etymology: possibly from the PIE *wey- (turn) or *wāg- (to be bent), which is related to vagus (wandering, roaming) in Latin, from which we get the English words vague and vagabond [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	umal [ˈuṽal] = humble, obedient umaldóit = humility umlaigid = to humble
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	umal = humble, obedient, submissive umaldóit, omaldóit, umallóit = humility uimligid, huimligte, umlaigid = to humble
Irish (Gaeilge)	umhal [uəl̪ˠ/uːlˠ] = humble, submissive, lithe, supple, plant umhlaigh = to humble, bow, submit, obey, stoop umhlaíocht = humility, submission, obedience, dutifulness, respect umhlóid = humility, submission, lowly service, attendence, ministration, suppleness, pliancy umhlú = genuflection, curtsey, obesiance, submission
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	umhal [ũ.əl̪ˠ] = submissive, obedient, humble, lowly, meek
Manx (Gaelg)	imlee = humble, lowly, menial, simple imlagh = humble, humbling imlaghey = humble, stoop
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	humil = humble
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	huvyll, uvell = merry, glad, lively uỽyl, vffil = humble, meek, submissive ufullder, uvyllder = humility uỽyltaỽd, uvylldaỽt, vuildaud, vffyldaud = humility
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ufyl = humble, meek, submissive ufyllter, ufullter = humility ufylltod, ufulltod, ufelltod, hufylltod = humility hyful = humble
Old Cornish (Cernewec)	huvel, hyvbl, evall = humble, lowly huveldot = hunility hyvla = tp be humble, to be obedient, to obey
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	huvel, hyvbl, evall = humble, lowly huveldot = hunility hyvla = tp be humble, to be obedient, to obey
Cornish (Kernewek)	uvel = humble, lowly, modest uvelder = humility
Middle Breton	vuel, uuel = humble, meek, lowly uffuelhat = to humiliate (oneself) vuelaff, uvelañ = to humble oneself vueldet, vuheltet = humility, humbleness, meekness vulder, vuelder, uffuelter = humility, humbleness
Breton (Brezhoneg)	uvel [ˈyː.vɛl] = humble, meek, lowly uvelded, uvelder = humility, humbleness, meekness uvelaat = to humiliate

Etymology: from the Latin humilis (low, lowly, small, slight, shallow), which is also the root of the English word humility, the French humilité (humility), and the humildad (humility, humbleness) [source].

The Cornish word klor means meek, mild, moderate, modest and klorder means modesty. Their origins are not known

Barnacles & Limpets

6th January 20246th January 2024 By Simon

Words for barnacle, limpet and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*barinākos = barnacle, limpet
Gaulish	*barinākā = barnacle, limpet
Old Irish (Goídelc)	*bairnech = limpet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	bairnech, báirnech = limpet(s)
Irish (Gaeilge)	bairneach [ˈbˠɑːɾˠn̠ʲəx] = limpet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bàirneach [baːr̪ˠn̪ʲəx] = barnacle, limpet
Manx (Gaelg)	baarnagh, barnagh, bayrnagh = barnacle guiy bayrnag = barnacle goose
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	brennik = limpets
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brennig = limpets brenigen = limpet
Middle Cornish	brennic = limpets brennigen = limpet
Cornish (Kernewek)	brennik = limpets brenigen, bernigen = limpet
Middle Breton	brennik = limpet
Breton (Brezhoneg)	brennig [ˈbrɛ.nːik] = barnacles, limpets brennigenn = barnacle, limpet brennika = to fish for limpets brennikaer = limpet fisherman

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *barinā (rocky ground), and *-ākos (involved with, belonging to) [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via the Gaulish *barinākā and the Latin barnēca (barnacle goose, barnacle, limpet), include bernache (barnacle) in French, barnacle in English, barnacla (brent/brant goose – Branta bernicla) in Spanish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	gigrann = barnacle goose
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	gigrann, giugrann = wild goose, barnacle goose
Irish (Gaeilge)	giúrann = barnacle, shipworm, barnacle (goose) giúrannach = encrusted with barnacles
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	giùran [gʲuːran] = barnacle
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwyran = barnacle goose, barnacles
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwyran = barnacle goose, barnacles
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	goirann = barnacle goose, barnacles

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Celtic *gezdā (goose) – probably of imitative origin [source]. For more details of words for goose in Celtic languages, this post.

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].

Worms & Maggots

18th December 2023 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for worm, maggot and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kʷrimis = worm
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cruim [kruṽʲ] = maggot, worm crumdoma = maggot heap
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	cruim, crúim = worm, maggot crumach = full of reptiles crumdoma = dunghill cromóc = maggot
Irish (Gaeilge)	cruimh = maggot, larva, grub, tiny insect, worm crumhóg = maggot cruimheach = maggoty cruimheachán = venemous person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cnuimh [krɯ̃ĩv] = maggot, grub, worm cnuimheach [krɯ̃ĩvəx] = maggoty cnuimheag [krɯ̃ĩvag] = maggot, grub, worm cnuimhneag [krɯ̃ĩvn̪ˠʲag] = maggot, worm
Manx (Gaelg)	crooag = (flesh) worm, grub, maggot, worm crooagagh = maggoty, wormy
Proto-Brythonic	*prɨβ̃ [ˈprɨβ̃] = worm
Old Welsh	prem = insect, fly, larva, maggot, grub, worm
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pryuet, pryf = insect, fly, larva, maggot, grub, worm pryuyedic = abounding in / infested with worms or maggots
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pryf [prɨːv/priːv] = insect, fly, larva, maggot, grub, worm pryfedaf, pryfedu, pryfedo = to breed worms of maggots, to become infested with worms or maggots pryfediad = worm or maggot infestation pryfedig = wormeaten, maggoty pryfeteg = entomology pryfiedig = abounding in / infested with worms or maggots
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pref, prêv, pryf = any small animal, a vermin, an insect, a worm, a reptile
Cornish (Kernewek)	pryv, prev = crawling animal, grub, insect, worm, weevil pryv del = caterpillar pryv prenn woodworm pryvladher = insecticide
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	preff, preuet, prenvv = worm
Breton (Brezhoneg)	preñv = worm preñvedik = vermiculated preñvek = vermicular, wormlike, wormy eneppreñveg, eneppreñvek = wormable

Etymology: from PIE *kʷŕ̥mis (worm) [source]. Words from the same root include cirmenis (maggot, grub) in Latvian, kirmis (worm) in Lithuanian, käärme (snake) in Finnish, کرم (kerm – worm) in Persian, and červ (worm, maggot) in Czech and Slovak [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	dorb = worm, larva
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	dorb = small insect or worm
Irish (Gaeilge)	doirb [kɑbʲ/kabʲ] = water beelte doirbeach = infested with water beetles
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	doirb [dɤrʲɤb] = unspecific term for a small/tiny/insignificant creature (e.g. minnow, worm, leech, small person)
Manx (Gaelg)	durrag = cabbage worm, larva of cabbage moth

Etymology: unknown

Axes and Hatchets

7th December 2023 By Simon

In this post we’re looking at the words for axe and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*tāxslo- = axe
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tál = adze
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	tál = adze
Irish (Gaeilge)	tál [t̪ˠɑːlˠ/t̪ˠæːlˠ] = adze
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tàl [taːl̪ˠ] = adze tàl-fuinn = hoe
Manx (Gaelg)	taal = adze

An adze cutting tool that has a curved blade set at a right angle to the handle and is used in shaping wood. [source].

Etymology possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *tetḱ-(dʰ)lo-, from *teḱ- (to sire, beget) [source]. Words from the same roots include architect, technical, text and textile in English, цясла́ [t͡sʲasˈɫa] (adze) in Belausian, тесло [tʲɪsˈɫo] (adze) in Russian, and teslă (adze) in Romanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	túag = axe, hatchet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	túag = axe, hatchet túagaid = to hew, chop, strike with an axe túagrótae = roadway cleared with an axe
Irish (Gaeilge)	tua [t̪ˠuə] = axe, hatchet tuadóir = axe-man, hewer, chopper tuadóireacht = (act of) hewing, shaping, chopping tuaigh = to chop (with an axe)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tuagh [tuəɣ] = axe tuaghadair = axeman, axe-wielder
Manx (Gaelg)	teigh = axe, chopper, hatchet

Etymology possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)tewk- (to push, press, strike, beat, pierce), from *(s)tew- (to push, hit) [source]. Words from the same roots include tkát (to weave) in Czech, tkać (to weave, stick, tuck) in Polish, and тъка [tɐˈkɤ] (to spin, plait, entwine, weave) in Bulgarian [source], and words for hole & hollow in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*biyatlis = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	biáil [ˈbʲi.aːlʲ] = axe, hatchet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	bíail, biáil = axe, hatchet, battle-axe
Irish (Gaeilge)	biail [bʲiəlʲ] = hatchet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	biail = axe, hatchet (archaic)
Old Welsh	bahell = axe
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	buyall, bwell, bwyeill = axe bwyellic = small axe, hatchet bwyallawt = axe stroke bwiallawc = bearing an axe, armed with an axe; like an axe
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bwyall, bwyell, bwell = axe, battle-axe bwyellan, bwyellig = small axe, hatchet bwyellangaib = pickaxe, hoe bwyellod, bwyallod = stroke or cut with an axe, axe stroke bwyellog, bwyallog = bearing an axe, armed with an axe; like an axe bwyellwr = woodman
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	biail, boell, bool = axe, hatchet
Cornish (Kernewek)	bool = axe, chopper, hachet bolik = (small) axe, chopper, hachet
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bouhazl, bouchazl, bouchal, boc’hal = axe
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bouc’hal [ˈbuː.ɣal] = axe, hammered bouc’halig = hatchet

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *bināti (to strike, hit, beat) from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰi-né-h₂-ti, from bʰeyh₂- (to strike, hew) [source]. Words from the same roots include billhook and bone in English, bain (to extract, separate, strike) and béim (a blow, emphasis, beat) in Irish, gofid (grief, sorrow, regret) in Welsh [source].

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.

Facing Opposition

10th November 202322nd March 2025 By Simon

Words for face, honour and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*gnūstis = face
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gnúis [ɡnuːsʲ] = face
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gnúis = face, countenance, disc (of sun or moon), aspect, kind, form, species dognúisach = ill-featured, ill-favoured
Irish (Gaeilge)	gnúis [ɡn̪ˠuːʃ/ɡɾˠuːʃ] = face, mien, countenance, sour expression, frown, aspect, kind, form gnúiseach = well-favoured, good-looking. gnúiseachán = sour-faced person. gnúisgheal = bright-faced gnúis-searbh = sour-faced
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gnùis [gruːʃ] = face, countenance, visage gnùis-dhreach = aspect gnùis-bhrat = veil samhla-gnùis = smiley ☺️, emoticon maise-gnùis = cosmetics ruadhadh-gnùis = blush
Manx (Gaelg)	grooish = countenance, visage, aspect grooish-volley = deceit, deceive geyre-ghrooishagh = sharp-faced sharroo-ghrooishagh = vinegar-faced
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gnis = jaw, chin, countenance, face
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gnis [miːl] = jaw, chin, countenance, face gnisiaf, gnisio = to low, neigh, sigh, pant, groan, grumble
Cornish (Kernewek)	greuv = face, front

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵneh₃- (to recognise, know) [source]. Words from the same roots include cognition, cunning, gnome, ignorant, know, noble and uncouth in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*enekʷos = face
Old Irish (Goídelc)	enech = face, honour, reputation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	enech, ainech = face, front, opposite, against, in opposition to enechgris = face-flushing enechlóg = honour-price
Irish (Gaeilge)	oineach = honour, good name, reputation, generosity, hospitality, bounty, favour oineachúil = generous, good-natured eineach = face (literary) eineachlann = ‘honour-price’, proportionate compensation, satisfaction for injury, etc eineachras = safeguard, protection
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eanach [ɛnəx] = honour, praise
Proto-Brythonic	*ėnib = face
Old Welsh	enep = face
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	wynep, wyneb, vynep = face wynebiat, wnepiat, wynepiat = surface, facing, behaviour, aspect wynebion, wynebyon = surface, scum, froth,
Welsh (Cymraeg)	wyneb [ˈwɨnɛb / ˈwɨnab] = face, countenance, expression, grimace, surface, area, front, side, honour, respect, status, effrontery, impudence, audacity, cheek wynebaf, wynebu = to face, look towards, confront, oppose, encourage, support (g)wynebiad = surface, facing, behaviour, aspect wynebion = surface, scum, froth, head (of beer), cream (g)wynebol = honourable, worthy, facial, front, facing, promising, favourable, handsome, beautiful
Old Cornish	eneb = face
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	enep, enap = face, countenance, page (of a book)
Cornish (Kernewek)	enep = face, surface enebi = to face, oppose enebieth = opposition
Old Breton	enep = face
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	enep = face, resistance, opposition, opposite
Breton (Brezhoneg)	eneb [ˈẽːnep] = face, opposite, honour enebenn [e.ˈneː.bɛn] = upper, front, page eneberezh = opposition enebiñ = to oppose

Etymology: from the PIE *h₁enih₃kʷos (face), from animālis (animate, living), from *h₁én (in) and *h₃ókʷs (eye), and okno (window) in Czech [source].

Words from the same roots include eye in English, acs (eye, vision, attention) in Latvian, akis (eye, loop) in Lithuanian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*antonos = forehead
Old Irish (Goídelc)	étan = brow, forehead
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	étan, édan = front, brow, forehead étanán = frontlet
Irish (Gaeilge)	éadan [ˈeːd̪ˠən̪ˠ/ˈeːd̪ˠənˠ] = front, face, flat surface, facet, table, end éadána = timid, diffident éadánacht = timidity, diffidence éadanchlár = fascia
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aodann [ɯːdən̪ˠ] = face, front, dial, side aodannach [ɯːdən̪ˠəx] = little face, mask, frontispiece aodann-clò = typeface aodann-coimheach = mask aodann creige = rockface, cliff-face
Manx (Gaelg)	eddin = face, facade, feature, front, apron, dial, impudence, cheek eddinagh = facial

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ent- (face, forehead, front). Words from the same roots include answer, end in English, and anë (side, edge, verge, brink) in Albanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	agad [ˈaɣəð] = face, honour, surface
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	agad, aiged = face, countenance, surface, front
Irish (Gaeilge)	aghaidh [əiɟ/ai/əi̯] = face, front, aspect, dial (of clock), obverse (of coin) aghaidhbhéasach = civil-looking aghaidh-dhána = bold-faced
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aghaidh [ɤː.ɪ] = face, visage, facade, front, facing, cheek, impudence, nerve aghaidheachd [ɤː.ɪjəxg] = resistance aghaidhich = oppose, face, confront, affront aghaidhichte = opposed, opposing, fronting, facing, confronted
Manx (Gaelg)	oai = countenance oaie = dial, exposure, facade, face, facial, front, frontage oaieagh = blasphemous, sepulchral

Etymology: uncertain, possibly related to the Old Irish aigid (to drive), from Proto-Celtic *ageti (to drive), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti (to be driving) [source].

Proto-Celtic	drikā = face, front ɸaredrikā = face, front
Old Irish (Goídelc)	drech = face
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	drech, dreach = face, countenance, front, surface drechach = fair, comely, graceful, shapely
Irish (Gaeilge)	dreach [dʲɾʲax] = facial appearance, look, expression, aspect, face, surface dreachadh =delineation, portrayal, make-up dreachadóir = delineator dreachúil = good-looking, comely
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dreach [drɛx] = figure, form, shape, appearance, complexion dreachmhor [drɛxvər] = comely, handsome, a healthy complexion dreachadh [drɛxəɣ] = portraying, shaping, adorning dreachail [drɛxal] = handsome, personable dreachalachd [drɛxəl̪ˠəxg] = handsomeness
Manx (Gaelg)	dreagh = expression
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dyrch = face drychiolaeth = apparition, ghost, spectre, phantom edrich, edrych = to look, view, observe
Welsh (Cymraeg)	drych [drɨːχ / driːχ] = mirror, looking-glass, reflection, example, magnifying-glass, glasses, countenance, appearance, aspect drachaf, drychu = to mirror, see, make apparent drychiolaeth = apparition, ghost, spectre, phantom edrych = regard, appearance edrych(af) = to look, view, observe, watch, search
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	derch = shape, aspect, appearance

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *dr̥ḱ-eh₂ from *derḱ- (to see) [source]. Words from the same roots include dragon, drake and tarragon in English [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	onóir = honour
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	onóir, anóir = honour, respect, dignity
Irish (Gaeilge)	onóir = honour onórach = honourable, upright, honoured, esteemed, honorary onóraigh = to honour onórú = honouring, reverence, worship
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	onair [ɔnɪrʲ] = honour, respect, honesty onaireach [ɔnɪrʲəx] = honourable, honest
Manx (Gaelg)	honor, onnor = honour onnoragh, onneragh = honest, honorary, creditable, worshipful onnoraghey = to honour onnorey = to honour onnoroil = honourable, upstanding
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	anaỽr, anhaur, anawr = honour, praise, might, force, vigour
Welsh (Cymraeg)	anawr = honour, praise, might, force, vigour
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	enor, onour = honour enorif, enoraff = to honour
Breton (Brezhoneg)	enor [ˈẽː.nɔr] = honour enoriñ = to honour enorus = honourable

Etymology: from Anglo-Norman honur (honour), from Old French honor (honour), from Latin honor (honour, esteem, dignity, reputation, office), from Old Latin honōs (honour, etc), of unknown origin [source].

Words from the same roots may include honour and honest in English, onore (honour, reputation, credit) in Italian, honneur (honour) in French, and honrar (to honour) in Spanish [source].

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: Cornish (Kernewek)

Stormy Weather

Bees

Modestly Humble

Barnacles & Limpets

Dinner

Worms & Maggots

Axes and Hatchets

Flowing Slowly

Facing Opposition

Sure, Certainly