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].

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

Mind Sense

14th May 202214th May 2022 By Simon

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

Mind, Sense, Widom, Intelligence, Meaning

Proto-Celtic	*kʷēslā = mind; sense, wisdom, intelligence; meaning
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cíall [kʲiːa̯l͈] = sense, intelligence, mind; wisdom, good sense, skill; intention, cause, reason, idea; signification, meaning, function
Irish (Gaeilge)	ciall [kiəl̪ˠ/kʲal̪ˠ] = sense, sanity; normal state of mind; common sense; perception; meaning; reason, cause ciallaigh = to mean, signify; explain, interpret ciallchogar = confidential whisper ciallmhaireacht = sensibleness, reasonableness ciallmhar = sensible, reasonable, common sense aingiall = unreason fochiall = secondary meaning, connotation gan chiall = meaningless, misguided, unmeaning, callow, lunatic, senseless, silly
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ciall [kʲiəl̪ˠ] = meaning, sense, significance, connotation, implication, understanding, reason ciallach = prudent, sensible, sane, tame ciallaich = to mean, signify, imply gun chiall = without sense, senseless, insane eu-céillidheachd = insanity, madness, irrationality, foolishness
Manx (Gaelg)	keeall = sense, significance keeaylagh = eloquent, prudent meecheeall = senselessness meecheeallagh = senseless, unadvisedly bun-cheeal = moral gyn keeall = unmeaning, senseless
Proto-Brythonic	*puɨll = mind; sense, wisdom, intelligence; meaning
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	puil, puilh = deliberation, consideration, care, caution
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pwyll [puːɨ̯ɬ / pʊi̯ɬ] = deliberation, consideration, care, caution; discretion, prudence, wisdom, patience, understanding, intelligence, perception, judgement; nature, disposition; meaning, significance, sense pwyll(i)ad = intention, intent, goal, aim, design pwyllaf, pwyllo = to exercise discretion, deliberate, consider, contemplate pwyllgor = committee, meeting pwyllog = discreet, wise, intelligent, sane, rational, reasonable pwyllwr, pwyllwraig = discreet, sensible or wise person gan bwyll = gently, gradually, carefully, slowly iawnbwyll = sanity, saneness, sane, sensible o’i bwyll = out of one’s mind, beside oneself, insane
Cornish (Kernewek)	poll = intelligence, reason pollek = brainy, intelligent
Breton (Brezhoneg)	poell = logical, logic poellata = to reason, argue poellakaat = to rationalize poellel = logical, logic poellelour = rationalist poellgor = committee

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *kʷeyt- (to notice) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include číst (to read) and čítat (to count) in Czech, šķist (to seem, appear) and skaitīt (to count) in Latvian, skaitýti (to read) in Lithuanian, and चित्त [t͡ʃɪt̪t̪] (mind, heart) in Hindi [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Calling Words

9th November 202113th September 2024 By Simon

Words for word, call, cry and related things in Celtic languages.

words is various languages
Word cloud created with WordItOut

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	gāri = shout, call garyeti = to cry, shout gar(r)man- = cry, shout garyo- = word, command *garyos = call, cry
Gaulish	Garomaros / Garo-marus = personal name* adgarion = accuser (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gairm = call, name, summons gairid [ˈɡarʲiðʲ] = to call, cry out, summon adgair [aðˈɡarʲ] = to summon congair [konˈɡarʲ] = to call, summon; invite dogair = to call
Middle Irish (Goídelc)	gairm = call, name, summons, cry, name, title, calling, employment, profession gairid = to call
Irish (Gaeilge)	gáir [ɡɑːɾʲ/ɡæːɾʲ] = cry, shout; report, fame, notoriety; to cry shout; laugh gáire = to laugh gáieach = laughing, smiling gáieachtach = noisy, vociferous; laughing, merry gairm [ˈɡaɾʲəmʲ/ˈɡɪɾʲəmʲ] = call, calling, acclaim (an tuiseal) gairmeach = vocative (case) gairmí = professional gairmiúil = vocational, professional slua gairm = slogan
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	goir [gɤrʲ] = to call, cry, hoot, crow gàir [gaːrʲ] = to laugh, cry shout; outcry, shout, clamour gàir nan tonn = the roar of the waves gairm [ɡɤrʲɤm] = calling, crying, call, cry, announcing, declaring, convenning, call of the cockerel gairmeachadh = (act of) calling gairm-choileach = cock-crow gairm-chatha, gairm-chogaidh = war-cry sluagh-gairm = slogan tuiseal gairmeach = vocative case
Manx (Gaelg)	gerr = crow, shout gerr chah = war cry gerrym = crowing, outcry, shouting, whoop, whooping, (cock) crow), avocation, mission, profession, vocation gerrymagh = vocative gerrymoil = professional, vocational gerrym caggee = battle cry, call up, war cry gerrym chellee = cock crow sleih gerrym = slogan
Proto-Brythonic	*gėr [ɡe̝ːr] = word, speech
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	geir = word gaur, gawr = shout, cry garddu = groan garym, garm = shout, cry, outcry, clamour garymleis, garamleis = scream, clamour
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gair [ɡai̯r] = word, speech, phrase, greeting, salutation, short exhortation, saying, proverb; verb; line of poetry, verse; report, rumour, information, letter, reputation, fame, praise geiriad = wording, phraseology, phrase geiriadaf, geiriadu = to word, phrase, express geiriadur = dictionary geiriaduraf, geiriaduro, geiriadura = to compile a dictionary geiriaduriaeth, geiriaduraeth = lexicography; vocabulary; grammar geiriadurwr = lexicographer, dictionary-maker geiriog = wordy, verbose garm = shout, cry, outcry, clamour garmlais = scream, clamour
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	garm = a cry, shout, outcry garme = to shout, raise a shout, cry aloud, cry out
Cornish (Kernewek)	ger [ɡɛːr/ɡeːr] = word, saying, report gerdhal = dyslexic gerdhalni = dyslexia gerlyver = dictionary garm = to shout, whoop, yell garm argemynna = (advertising) slogan garm vresel = battle cry garm wormola = ovation garma = to cry out, whoop, yell garma yn lowen = to cheer
Old Breton	gerent = word. say
Middle Breton	guer = word garm = loud crying, yelping of a fox, war cry, cry garmadeg, garmadenn = clamour garmer = to cry, crying, brawler garmiñ = to cry, bellow, yelp
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ger [ɡeːr] = word geriadur = dictionary garm = cry, clamour, weeping

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵeh₂r- (to shout, call) [source]. The English words garrulous (excessively talkative), care and charm (sound of many voices (esp. of birds or children), a flock or group (esp. of finches)) come from the same PIE root [source].

Proto-Celtic	*woxtlom = dispute
Old Irish (Goídelc)	focul [ˈɸokul] = word
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	focal, foc(c)ull, focla, facul = word, vocable, phrase, estimate, award, judgement, promise
Irish (Gaeilge)	focal [ˈfˠɞkəl̪ˠ/ˈfˠɔkəlˠ] = word, phrase, remark, observation, saying, intelligence, message, promise, assurance focalhbhá = ellipsis … foclach = wordy, verbose foclachas = wordiness, verbiage focleolaí = philologist focleolaíoch = philological focleolaíocht = philology foclóir = dictionary, lexicon, vocabulary foclóireacht = lexicography foclóireolaíocht/strong> = lexicology foclóirí = lexicographer foclóirín = word-list, vocabulary
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	facal [faxgəl̪] = word, comment, remark facal air an fhacal = word for word, literally, verbatim facal-faire = password facal-fhreumhail = etymology facal-mùirne = an endearment facal-toisich = introduction, preamble
Manx (Gaelg)	fockle [ˈfɔːɡəl] = word, charm, vocable focklagh = wordy, verbose, voluble, loquacious focklaghys = wordiness, verbiage fockleyr = dictionary, lexicon, thesaurus fockleyragh = lexicographic fockleyreen = vocabulary, wordbook fockleyreyder = lexicographer fockleyrys = lexicography
Proto-Brythonic	*gwoɨθl = dispute
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwaethyl = debate, dispute, contention, battle gwaethyl uann, gwaethyluann = loud in dispute, strenuous, striving gwaethyl gwyr = fighter, warrior
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwaethl = debate, dispute, contention, battle gwaethlfan = loud in dispute, strenuous, striving gwaethlwr = fighter, warrior gwaethl =

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *wókʷtlom, from *wekʷ- (to speak, sound out) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include advocate, epic, vocal, voice, vouch and , vowel in English; gewagen (to report, notify) in Dutch; voce (voice, call, word) in Italian; and उक्ति (ukti – saying, expression) in Hindi [source].

Proto-Celtic	*brētrā = word, battle
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bríathar [ˈbʲrʲiːa̯θər] = word, speech, utterance, verb, discourse
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bríathar, briathor = word, utterance, talk, saying, speech, discourse, blessing, prayer, curse, promise, vow, pledge, verb bríathardae = wordy, verbal bríatharach = wordy, verbose bríathad = act of speaking bríatharaigid = to speak, pronounce
Irish (Gaeilge)	briathar [ˈbʲɾʲiəhəɾˠ / ˈbʲɾʲiːhəɾˠ] = word, verb briathartha = verbal briathrach = wordy, verbose briathrachas = wordiness, verbosity briathraíocht = diction
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	briathar [brʲiəhər] = word, term briathrail [brʲiəral] = loquacious, talkative, wordy, verbose briathrach [brʲiərəx] = talkative, loquacious, wordy, verbose
Manx (Gaelg)	breear = verb breearagh = verbal
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	brwyder, brwydyr = battle brwydraw = to battle, fight, struggle, attack brwydrin = battle, conflict, fierce, pugnacious brwydyrdaer = resolute in battle, fighting with all one’s might brwytyrgar, brwydyrgar = delighting in fighting, eager for battle, bellicose brwydryar = tumult of battle, battle-cry brwydr-wr = fighter, warrior, combatant
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brwydr [ˈbrʊɨ̯dr / ˈbrʊi̯dr] = pitched battle, conflict, attack, campaign, struggle, bother, dispute, controversy, host, army brwydrin = battle, conflict, fierce, pugnacious brwydro = to battle, fight, struggle, attack brwydrwr = fighter, warrior, combatant

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *bʰerH- (to strike, pierce) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include boren (to) bore in English, (to drill) in Dutch, and foràre (to pierce, puncture) in Italian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*galw-o- = call
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gláed = shout, loud call gláedach = noisy, blustering, adjective gláedid = to cry out, name; verb gláedem = wolf glegrach = noisy
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gláed, glaid = shout, loud call gláedach = calling, crying out, shouting, noisy, blustering gláedid = to cry out, to name glegrach = noisy, resounding, clamorous
Irish (Gaeilge)	glao [ɡl̪ˠeː/ɡlˠiː] = call, shout glaoch = calling, to call glaoigh = to call, cry out, shout glaoiteach = calling, vociferous glaomaire = loud-mouthing, vociferous, boastful person glaomaireacht = shouting, bragging, boastfulness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	glaodh [gl̪ˠɯː] = cry, shout, yell, proclamation glaodhach [gl̪ˠɯː.əx] = crying, shouting, yelling glaodhaire [gl̪ˠɯː.ɪrʲə] = crier, loudspeaker glaodhar [gl̪ˠɯː.ər] = noise, rattling, clang, clash glaodhte = cried, shouted, yelled
Manx (Gaelg)	gyllagh = calling, crying gyllaghey = to cry, roar, shout
Proto-Brythonic	*gėlwɨd = to call
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	galw = a call, calling, shout, cry, invitation gelwi, galw, galwaf = to call, shout, bawl, summon, invite galwedic, galwedig = called, named, summoned galwedigaeth, galwedygaeth = call, a calling, vocation, profession, occupation
Welsh (Cymraeg)	galw [ˈɡalu / ˈɡaːlu] = a call, calling, shout, cry, invitation galwad = a calling, call, shout, sounding galwaf, galw, gelwain = to call, shout, bawl, summon, invite galwdig = called, named, summoned galwdigaeth = call, a calling, vocation, profession, occupation galwdigaethol = vocational, occupational, professional
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	galow = a call, invitation gelwel, gylwel = to call (for), invoke, name
Cornish (Kernewek)	galow = appeal, call, calling, invitation, vocation galwansek = vocational galwen = call galwesigeth = calling, profession, vocation galwesik = professional gelwel = to call, appeal, invite, summon
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	galu = appeal, summons
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	galu = appeal, summons gueruell, gueluer = to call, summon
Breton (Brezhoneg)	galv [ˈɡalw/ˈɡalɥ/ˈɡalf] = appeal, summons galvedigezh [ɡalveˈdiːɡɛs] = vocation, calling galvel, galven, galver, gervel = to call, summon

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *gal(o)s- (voice, cry). The English word call comes from the same PIE root, as do galsas (sound, echo) in Lithuanian, голос [ˈɡoɫəs] (voice, word, remark, vote) in Russian, hlas (voice, vote) in Czech, and gallo (rooter, cockerel) 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

Water

5th March 202114th October 2024 By Simon

Words for water and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	dubros = water, dark dubrokū = otter (“water dog”) *dubro-jarā = water-hen
Gaulish	Dubra, Uerno-dubrum = names of rivers
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dobur [ˈdovur] = water, river doburchú [ˈdovurˌxuː] = otter (“water dog”)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dobrán = water
Irish (Gaeilge)	dobhar = water; flood, torrent; darkness, dullness, obscurity dobhartha = watery, wet; dull, gloomy. dobharchú = otter (“water dog”) dobharchlog = water clock dobhardhroim = watershed dobhareach = hippopotamus dobharlí = water-colour dobhrán = otter; dull-witted, stupid, person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dobhar [do.ər] = water (archaic) dobhar-chù [do.ərxu] = otter, beaver (“water dog”) dobhar-lus [r̪ˠɔːhdəx] = (water)cress dòbhran [dɔːran] = otter
Manx (Gaelg)	dooarchoo = otter, beaver (“water dog”) doour = reservoir, dam
Proto-Brythonic	duβr = water düβrgi = otter
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dwfyr [ˈduvər] = water
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dŵr [duːr], dwfr [dʊvr] = water; urine; pus dyfrgi, dwrgi = otter (“water dog”) dyfrgiad = watering, irrigation, urination dyfrio, dyfru = to water, to irrigate, to run, to urinate dyfrig = dripping, foaming (of a horse) dyfraidd = aqueous, waterish, aquatic
Cornish (Kernewek)	dowr [doʊɹ] = water; river dowrgi = otter (“water dog”) dowra = to water dowrhe = to irrigate dowrvagh = hippopotamus dowrliw = water-colour
Middle Breton	dour = water
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dour [ˈduːr] = water; rain, tears, sweat, saliva dourgi = otter (“water dog”) douraerouant = hydra dourliv, dourlivadur = water-colour dournijerez = seaplane, flying boat, hydroplane

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *dʰubrós (dark) from *dʰewb- (deep). The River Douro in Portugual, which is called the Duero in Spain, gets its names from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the Latin Dūrius. The River Dubra in Galicia in the northwest of Spain also gets its name from Proto-Celtic *dubros, as does the English town Dover, and French towns such as Douvres-la-Délivrande in the department of Calvados in Normandy, and Douvres in the department of Ain in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include deep, dip, dope and possibly abyss in English, dubra (puddle) in Latvian, debra (gorge, ravine) in Slovak, debrza (dell, dingle) in Polish, and döpa (to baptize, name, christen) in Swedish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*udenskyos = water
Old Irish (Goídelc)	uisce [ˈusʲkʲe] = water
Irish (Gaeilge)	uisce [ˈɪʃk̟ɪ] = water; rain, tears, saliva uisceadán = aquarium uiscebhealach = waterway uiscedhath = watercolour uiscedhíonach = waterproof uisce-obach = watertight uiscerian = aqueduct uiscigh = to water, irrigate uisciú = irrigation uisce beatha = (Irish) whiskey
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uisge [ɯʃgʲə] = water; rain; river (in place names) uisgeadan [ɯʃgʲədan] = aquarium; body of water uisge-dhath, dath-uisge = watercolour uisge-dhìonach = waterproof, impervious; watertight uisgrian = aqueduct fuar-uisge = cold rain, cold water slighe-uisge = waterway uisgich [ɯʃgʲɪç] = to water, irrigate uisgeachadh [ɯʃgʲəxəɣ] = watering, irrigation uisge-beatha = (Scottish) whisky
Manx (Gaelg)	ushtey [ˈuʃtʲə] = water ushteydane = aquarium bollagh ushtey, coorse ushtey, raad ushtey = waterway ammyr ushtey, droghad ushtey = aqueduct ushtaghey = to water, irrigate, steep, watering irrigation ushtey bea = whisk(e)y

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *udén, from *wódr̥ (water). The English word whiskey comes from Irish uisce beatha (whiskey), and whisky comes from Scottish Gaelic uisge-beatha (whisky): the former is used in Ireland, England and the USA, while the latter is used in Scotland, Canada and Australia [source].

Words from the same PIE root include water, undulation, inundation and vodka in English, Wasser (water) in German, onda (wave) in Spanish, vanduõ (water, current, flow) in Lithuanian, and woda (water, flood) in Polish [source].

Proto-Celtic	sālos = saltwater saleinos = salt
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sál [saːl], sáile [ˈsaːlʲe] = salt water, brine, seawater; sea, ocean (poetic)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sál, sal, sāil = the sea, ocean, seawater, brine
Irish (Gaeilge)	sáile [ˈsˠɑːlʲə] = sea water, sea, salt water, brine loch sáile = sea-water loch, lagoon thar sáile = overseas
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sàl, sàile = the sea, sea water, salt water
Manx (Gaelg)	sailley = salt water
Proto-Brythonic	*salī = salt, sea water
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hely, heli = brine, salt water, pickle, sea-water, sea
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hâl [haːl] = salt, salty, saline, akaline heli = brine, salt water, pickle, sea-water, sea helïad = a salting, seasoning helïo = to salt, preserve, pickle, season helïaidd = salty, briny, saline, brackish
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	hyly = brine, salt water, sea water
Cornish (Kernewek)	hyli = salt water
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hili, hyli = brine
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hal = salt water, salt hili = brine, strong sauce

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *séh₂ls (salt) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include salt, saline (containing salt, salty) and salad in English, sel (salt) in French, sal (salt) in Spanish, sůl (salt) in Czech, and suola (salt) in Finnish [source].

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bùrn [buːr̪ˠn̪ˠ] = (fresh) water, amount of water, (act of) raining bùrn-éirigh = spring water bùrn-iarainn = mineral water bùrn mìn = fine drizzle

Etymology from the Scots burn (a small river), from the Middle English bourne (small stream), from the Old English burne, burna (spring, fountain), from Proto-Germanic *brunnô (stream, brook). the Proto-Indo-European *bʰrun- (a bubbling forth; a fountain, wellspring, source) [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis

Frosty Ice

25th February 202131st October 2023 By Simon

Words for frost, ice, cold and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸreswos = frost
Old Irish (Goídelc)	réúd [r͈ʲeːu̯ð] = frost
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	reód = frost
Irish (Gaeilge)	reo [ɾˠoː / ɾˠɔː] = frost reodóg = icicle reoigh = to freeze, congeal, solidify reoiteach = frosty, chilling reoiteacht = frostiness reoiteog, uachtar reoite = ice cream reomhar = frigid
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	reòth [r̪ˠɔː] = frost, freeze, become frozen, congeal reòite [r̪ˠɔːdʲə] = frozen, frosty, icy reòthtach [r̪ˠɔːhdəx] = freezing, frosty reòthadh = freeze reòthadair [r̪ˠɔ.ədɪrʲ] = deep-freeze, freezer stob reòta, caisean-reòta, boidean-reòthaidh = icicle
Manx (Gaelg)	rio = frost, freezing, ice riojey = to freeze, ice up rioeeagh = freezing, frosty rioeeaght = frostiness rioghar, bwoid rioee, kibbin rioee = icicle riojag, key riojey, key riojit = ice-cream rio-stroo, awin rioee = glacier
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rew, reo, rev = frost rewlyt, rewlyd, rewllid = icy, freezing, frozen
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhew [r̥eːu̯ / r̥ɛu̯] = (hoar-) frost, ice rhewaidd = freezing, frosty, icy rhewedig = frozen, icy, extremely cold rhewi = to freeze, preserve; anaesthetize, make numb rhewiadur = refrigerator rhewin = frosty weather rhewllyd, rhewlyd = icy, freezing, frozen, very cold, frigid rhew bargod = icicle rhew du = black ice gwŷn rhew = frost-bite rhedlif rhew = glacier
Old Cornish	reu = ice, frost
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	rew, reu = frost, ice
Cornish (Kernewek)	rew = ice, frost rewer = freezer rewi = to freeze rewys = frozen downrewi = deep-freeze, freezer dehen rew = ice cream furvell rew = ice tray kub rew = ice cube skes rew = ice skate
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	reau, reo, réau, rëu = frost, frozen
Breton (Brezhoneg)	rev = frost, freezing, freeze rev du = black ice rev noz = night frost

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *prews- (to freeze, frost), which is also the root of the word frost in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*yegis = ice
Old Irish (Goídelc)	aigred = ice aigretta = icy, frozen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	aig = ice aigide = icy
Irish (Gaeilge)	oighear [əiɾʲ] = ice oighear dubh = black ice oighreach = glacial leac oighir = (sheet of) ice
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eigh [ej] = ice eigh-bheinn = iceberg eigh-shruth = glacier leac-eighe = ice-floe linn-eighe = ice age pac-eigh = pack ice taigh-eighe = ice house
Proto-Brythonic	*jaɣ = ice
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ia, ya = ice, frost
Welsh (Cymraeg)	iâ [jaː] = ice, (hoar-) frost iaaidd = glacical, icy iaënnol = glacical, icy iaeth, iaaeth = iciness, frost, cold, severe winter weather ialyd = icy, freezing, very cold iaog = icy, freezing, frozen iain = very cold, freezing, icy
Old Cornish	iein = ice
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	iein, iên, yein, yeyn, yên = cold (as ice), frigid ieinder, iender, yender, yeinder = frigidity, coolness
Cornish (Kernewek)	yey = ice yeyn = cold yeynder = cold yeynell, yeyner = fridge yeynhe = to chill, become cold
Middle Breton (Brezoneg)	yen = cold
Breton (Brezhoneg)	yen = cold yenaat = to cool down, relax yenadur = coolness, cooling, chill yenañ = to cool, refrigerate, detach yender = cold, coolness

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁yeg- (ice, frost), which is also the root of the English word icicle [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ougros = cold
Gaulish	Ogronnios = personal name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	úar [uːa̯rʲ] = cold úacht = cold, coldness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	úar = cold, cool. refreshing, unfriendly ind(ḟ)úar = very cold, chilly, cool, refreshing, pleasing, entertaining úacht, ócht, ocht = cold, coldness, numbness
Irish (Gaeilge)	fuar [fˠuəɾˠ] = cold, apathetic, raw, uncooked fuaraigh = to cool, make cold, chill, relieve, pass (away) fuaráil = coolness, indifference, reserve fuaraíocht = coldness, chilliness fuarálach = cold, indifferent, reserved fuacht = cold, chill, apathy fuachtán = chilblain
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fuar [fuər] = cold fuarachd [fuərəxg] = coldness, chilliness, chilblain, mildew, dampness fuarachdainn [fuərəxgɪn̪ʲ] = cooling, easing, relieving fuaradair [fuərədɪrʲ] = fridge, refrigerator fuaraichte [fuərɪçdʲə] = cooled, refrigerated, eased, relieved fuarail [fuəral] = chilly, chilling fuaralachd [fuərəl̪ˠəxg] = coldness, frigidity
Manx (Gaelg)	feayr = chill, cold, cool, frigid, frosty, ice, distant (of person) feayght = chill, cold, exposure feayraghey = chill, cool, refrigerate, alienation feayraght = chill, cold, coldness feayrit = chilled, cooled, refrigerated
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	oir, oer = cold, cool oerai, oeri = to make/become/grow cold or cool oyrder = cold(ness), cool(ness), chill, indifference, apathy oered = coldness, chill oervel, oeruel = cold(ness), chill
Welsh (Cymraeg)	oer [jaː] = cold, cool, sad, dejected, miserable, coldness, child, cold vegetables, fruit and salad oeraf, oeri = to make/become/grow cold or cool, lose zeal, become depressed oeraidd = rater cold, coolish, coldish, chilly, unenthusiastic, apathetic, indifferent oerder = cold(ness), cool(ness), chill, indifference, apathy oeredd = coldness, chill oerfa = cool place, shade oerfel = cold(ness), chill oergell = refrigerator, freezer, cold cell
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	oir = cold, frigid
Cornish (Kernewek)	oor = bitterly cold, glacial, icy

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *h₃ewǵ- (cold), which is also the root of the Lithuanian word aušti (cold) [source].

Another word for ice in Breton is skorn – etymology unknown.

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

Strength

9th October 201913th May 2024 By Simon

Words for strength and related things in Celtic languages.

Strength

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	brīgos = strength brīga = power, worth
Gaulish	*brīgos = strength
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bríg [bʲrʲiːɣ / bʲrʲiːɣʲ] = force, power, value, virtue, strength, vigour, vitality brígach = powerful, mighty, strong brígmar = powerful
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bríg, brigh = power, strength, force, authority, vigour, virtue, might, value, worth, advantage, meaning brígach = powerful, mighty, forceful brígda = strong, vigorous brígmar = powerful, strong, vigorous, lively, efficacious brígrad = power, force
Irish (Gaeilge)	brí [brʲiː] = strength, vigour; force, significance; influence, merit bríoch = strong, vigorous, efficacious bríochmar = strong, viorous bríochtach = strong, vigorous person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	brìgh [brʲiː] = essence, gist, matter, pith, purport, substance; meaning, sense, significance; point (of an argument); energy, force brìghealachd [brʲiː.əLəxg] = substance, juiciness, pithiness, significance (in mathematics) brìgheil [brʲiː.al] = meaningful, significant brìoghmhor [brʲiː(v)ər] = meaningful, energetic, substantial, pithy
Manx (Gaelg)	bree = power, energy, stamina, vigour, virtue, initiative, validity, animation, inwardness, glow, exhalation, drift, essence, gist, effect breeagh = inspiring, vigorous breeoil = dynamic, energetic, essential, impulsive, valid, vibrant, vigorous, active, powerful
Proto-Brythonic	*briɣ = honour, dignity (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bri = honour, dignity, reputation, fame
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bri [briː] = honour, dignity, reputation, fame, prestige, esteem, power, authority, importance, value, popularity briaeth = honour, dignity briol = honourable, reverent, dignified
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bry = account, value, worth, price
Cornish (Kernewek)	bri = distinction, esteem, importance, relevance, reputation, value, prominence fowt bri = insignificance heb bri = irelevant
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	bri = importance, weight, authority
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bry = respect, consideration
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bri [briː] = dignity, honour, respect, consideration brient = privilege, prerogative brientek [bri.ˈɛn.tek] = privileged brientin = = privileged, aristocrat

Etymology: possibly the Proto-Indo-European *bʰrḗǵʰ-o-s, from *bʰerǵʰ- (to rise, ascend, to be elevated, up high). Words from the same roots, via Gaulish, include brio (vigour, vivacity) in English, briu (energy, push, courage) in Catalan, brio (vivacity, liveliness) in Italian, brío (vigour, mettle, zeal) in Spanish, and brio (brilliance, panache) in French [Source].

Words from the same PIE roots include barrow, burrow, bury, effort, force and fort in English, and brenin (king), bwrw (to hit, strike, cast) in Welsh [Source].

Proto-Celtic	*nertom = strength, power
Celtiberian	Nerto- = strength (?)
Gaulish	Nerto- = strength (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nert [n͈ʲer͈t] = power, strength nertaid [ˈn͈ʲer͈tɨðʲ] = to strengthen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	nert, nnert, nirt = strength, might, power, ability, significance nertaid = to strengthen, confirm, exhort, urge nertaigid = to strengthen, confirm, encourage, grow strong, side with support
Irish (Gaeilge)	neart [nʲaɾˠt̪ˠ / n̠ʲæɾˠt̪ˠ] = strength, force, power, ability, plenty neartaigh = to strengthen neartaitheach = strengthening, reinforcing neartaitheoir = strengthener, abettor neartmhaire = vigorousness, strength neartmhar = strong, vigorous, powerful neartú = strengthening, reinforcement, support
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	neart [̪nʲɛRʃd] = might, strength, force, energy, power, (alcoholic) proof, majority, most neartachadh [n̪ʲɛRʃdəxəɣ] = strengthening, building up, making strong neartaich strengthen, build up, make strong neartaiche = strengthener, emphasiser neartail = mighty, powerful, emphatic, forcible neartmhor = mighty, powerful, emphatic, forcible neartmhorachd = robustness, vigour
Manx (Gaelg)	niart = strength, power, force niartaght = strength niartal = cogent, forcible, mighty, potent, powerful, strong niarteyder = strengthener
Proto-Brythonic	*nerθ [nɛrθ] = strenght, force, power
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	nerthi = to strengthen, reinforce, fortify
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nerth, nyrth = force, strength, power, might nerthawc, nerthawg, nerthog = strong, mighty, powerful nerthawl, nerthol = strong, mighty, powerful nerthu = to strengthen, reinforce, fortify nerthyd, nerthwr = fortifier, supporter, helper
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nerth [nɛrθ] = force, strength, power, might, energy, vigour, hardness nerthedig = strong, strengthened nerthog = strong, mighty, powerful, potent nerthol = strong, mighty, powerful, potent nerthu = to strengthen, reinforce, fortify, aid, help, exhort, urge nerthwr, nerthydd = fortifier, supporter, helper
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nerth = might, power, strength, force
Cornish (Kernewek)	nerth [nɛrθ] = energy, force, might, power, strength nertha = to strengthen nerthek = energetic, powerful, robust
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	nerth = force, energy
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nerz, nerh = force, energy nerzus, nerhus = vigorous, robust, energetic
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nerzh [nɛrs] = force, energy nerzhan nerzhañ [ˈnɛrzan / ˈnɛrzã] = to strengthen, reinforce nerzhder = vigueur nerzhek = drastic nerzhekaat = to give energy nerzhelour = dynamic nerzhus = vigorous nerzhusaat = to strengthen oneself

Etymology: possibly the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ner-to- (virile, strong), from *h₂nḗr- (man, vital, energy). Words from the same roots include njer (man, human, person) in Albanian, άντρας [ˈandras] (man, husband) in Greek, noras (wish, desire, will, intention) in Lithuanian, nêr (lord, chief) in Welsh, and the name Nero [Source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	láitir = strong, powerful
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	láitir, laitir [ˈl͈aːdʲərʲ] = strong, powerful
Irish (Gaeilge)	láidir [ˈl̪ˠɑːdʲəɾʲ / ˈl̪ˠaːdʲəɾʲ] = strong, powerful, durable, tough, solid, forcible, loud láidreacht = strength láidrigh = to strengthen
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	làidir [l̪aːdʲɪrʲ] = strong, potent, emphatic, robust, substantial làidireachd = strength làidireach = strong, potent, emphatic làidrich = make strong, strengthen
Manx (Gaelg)	lajer = strong, potent, vigorous, hard, heavy, powerful, stark lajeragh = to strengthen, strengthening lajerid = potency, powerfulness, strength, vigour lajerys = cogency, force, might, prowess, strength

Etymology: unknown [Source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	cadrán = hardness, stubborness, obstinacy cadránta = hard, unfeeling, stubborn, obstinate cadrántacht = hardness, stubborness, obstinacy
Proto-Brythonic	*kadarn = strong, powerful, mighty (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cadarn, kadarn, katarnn = strong, powerful, mighty cadarnhau, kadarnaha = to strengthen, secure, fortify, safeguard kedernyt, kedernit, cedernyt = strength, power, potency, might
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cadarn [ˈka(ː)darn] = strong, powerful, mighty, firm, fast cadarnhad = confirmation cadarnhau = to strengthen, secure, fortify, safeguard cadernid = strength, power, potency, might
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cadarn = strong, stout, valiant

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *katus (battle), from Proto-Indo-European *kéh₃tus (battle), from *keh₃- (to fight). Words from the same roots include Hader (dispute, quarrel) and hadern (to quarrel, bicker, struggle) in German, and words for battle in Celtic languages [Source].

Proto-Celtic	*kriɸmos = strong (?)
Proto-Brythonic	*krɨβ̃ = strong
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cryf, kryf = strong, powerful, vigorous cryfder = strength, power, might
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cryf [krɨːv / kriːv] = strong, powerful, vigorous, intoxicating, tough, rich, fruitful, intense cryfder = strength, power, might cryfhau = to strengthen
Old Cornish	crif = strong, mighty, vigorous, hardy
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cref, crŷf, crif, crev = strong, mighty, vigorous, hardy
Cornish (Kernewek)	krev = forceful, powerful, robust, strong, substantial krevder = intensity, strength
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	cref, creff = strong, powerful
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kreñv [ˈkrẽ(w)] = strong, solid kreñvaat [krẽˈfɑːt] = to strengthen, reinforce kreñvder [ˈkrẽ(w)dɛr] = strength, power, might kreñvlec’h = stronghold, fortress

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *kriɸ- (body) from Proto-Indo-European *krep- (body). Words for body in Celtic and other languages come from the same roots [Source].

Proto-Celtic	trexsnos = strong trexsos = stronger
Gaulish	Trexius, Trexa, Trenus = personal names
Primitive Irish	ᚈᚈᚏᚓᚅᚐᚂᚒᚌᚑᚄ (ttrenalugos), ᚈᚏᚓᚅᚐᚌᚒᚄᚒ (trenagusu) = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	trén [tʲrʲeːn] = strong treise = power, strength
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	trén = strong, powerful, strong man treise = strength, vigour, power
Irish (Gaeilge)	tréan = strong man, warrior, champion, strength, power, intensity, plenty, abundance tréaniarracht = strong, forcible, attempt treise = strength, power, dominance, force, emphasis treisigh = to strengthen, reinforce, fortify treisiúil = strong, forceful, vigorous
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	trèine [treːnə] = might, power treise [treʃə] = strength, vigour treun [treːn] = champion, hero, brave, strong, sturdy treunar [treːnər] = strong man, champion, hero; very brave, heroic treunas = might, power treuntachd = boldness, courage treuntas = strength, power, magnanimity
Manx (Gaelg)	trean = brave, firm, heroic, intensive, mighty, stout, valiant treanid = braveness, exploit, feat heroics, might, strength, valour
Proto-Brythonic	*trex = stronger
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	trech = stronger, mightier, greater, superior, better
Welsh (Cymraeg)	trech [treːχ] = stronger, mightier, greater, superior, better trechedd = supremacy, dominance trechu = to defeat, overcome, overpower
Cornish (Kernewek)	trygh = conquest, victory, superior, triumphant, victorious trygher = victor tryghi = to conquer, vanquish
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	trech = victorious, victory trechy, trechiff = to conquer, prevail, overcome
Breton (Brezhoneg)	trec’h [briː] = superior, victorious, victory trec’hadeg = triumph trec’hadenn = success trec’hedigezh = defeat trec’her = winner trec’hin, trec’hiñ = to conquer, prevail, overcome trec’hus = victorious

Etymology: the Proto-Indo-European *(s)treg- (to be stiff, rigid, strong) or *treg- (strength). Words from the same roots include þróttur (strength, vigour, energy) in Icelandic, and idrott (sport, physical education) 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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Oak (trees)

21st August 201923rd November 2024 By Simon

Words for oak (tree) and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*daru [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = oak
Gaulish	Dervo = used in placenames
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dair [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = oak
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dair, daur = an oak, the letter D in the Ogham alphabet (ᚇ) dairbre, dairbhre = an oak, oakling, a grove of oak grees, an oak wood dairde, daurde = oaken dair-ḟid, dauruth = an oak wood
Irish (Gaeilge)	dair [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = oak, the letter D in the Ogham alphabet (ᚇ) dairbhre = oaks, oak-grove daireach = planted with / full of oaks doire [ˈd̪ˠɛɾʲə] = oak-wood; wood, grove, thicket
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dair [darʲ] = oak (archaic), the letter D, ᚛ᚇ᚜ in Ogham dairbhre = oak, nursery or grove of oaks darach [darəx] = oak, oaken, made of oak; ship (poetic) darag [darag] = small/dwarf oak, stunted/branchy tree (which is not useable for working)
Manx (Gaelg)	darragh = oak, oaken, oak grove, oak wood darrag = oak, beam, cast (fishing), snood, hairline darree = oak
Proto-Brythonic	*dar [ˈdar] = oak tree
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dar, dâr = oak derwd(y) = oak house, oratory, prayer house, coffin derwin, deruin = make of oak, oaken, abounding in oaks, strong, robust, oak timber
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dâr [ˈdaːr] = oak tree, foremost warrior, leader, mighty lord derw = oak trees derwen [ˈdɛrwɛn] = oak tree derwin = make of oak, oaken, abounding in oaks, strong, robust, oak timber der(w)lwyn = oak grove, oak wood
Old Cornish	dar = oak
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dar = an oak
Cornish (Kernewek)	dar [daːr / dæːr] = oak derwen = oak tree derw = oak trees
Old Breton	daeru = oaks
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	deru = oaks
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dar [dɑːr] = oak derv [ˈdɛrw/ˈdɛː.ro] = oaks dervenneg = with oak trees dervoed [dɛʁwət] = oak grove, oak wood

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *dóru (tree) [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root possibly include làrix (larch) in Catalan, lariks (larch) in Dutch learag (larch) in Scottish Gaelic, larch in English, Lärche (larch) in German, and lærk (larch) in Danish [source].

Words from the same PIE root include δόρυ (dóry – spear) in Greek, dervà (tar, resin) in Lithuanian terva (tar) in Finnish, dearbh (sure, certain) in Irish, tree, trim, and trough, true in English, and trä (wood) in Swedish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*tannos = green oak
Gaulish	*tannos = oak
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tinne = holly, elder
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tinne = holly, elder, the letter t in the Ogham alphabet (ᚈ)
Irish (Gaeilge)	tinne = the letter t in the Ogham alphabet (ᚈ)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	teine/tinne [tʲenə] = gorse, whin, furze (archaic), the letter t (ᚈ) in Ogham
Welsh (Cymraeg)	taneru, tener(i)o = to tan (hide) tanerdy = tannery tanerwr = tanner (of hides)
Old Cornish	tannen = oak (?)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tonnen = bark glastanen, glastennen, glastan = (scarlet) oak
Cornish (Kernewek)	glastanen gelyn = holly/holm oak glastanen gork = cork oak
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	glastann(enn) = holm oak(s)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tann [tānː] = sessile oaks tannañ = to tan glastann = holm oaks

Note: the Welsh words were borrowed from English tanner, which ultimately comes from Proto-Celtic *tannos, via French, Latin and Gaulish.

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *(s)tannos, the Proto-Indo-European *(s)dʰnwos/*(s)dʰonu (fir). Words from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via Gaulish and Latin tannum (oak bark), include tan (pulped oak bark used in the tanning process of leather) in French, tano (stem, slip) in Galician, tanería (tannery), Tannenbaum (fir tree, Christmas tree) in German, θάμνος (thámnos – bush) in Greek, and tan, tannery, tannin (tannic acid) in English.

Words from the same PIE roots include thanë (cranberry bush) in Albanian, and धनु (dhanu – bow) in Sanskrit. [source].

Death

8th July 201929th November 2024 By Simon

Words for death and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	bāstom / bāssom = death bayeti = to die batom = death, pestilence dībatom = extinction, extinguisment
Gaulish	dib = ?
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bás [baːs] = death baïd [ˈba.əðʲ] = to die bath = death díbad = extinction, quenching, estate of deceased
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bás(a), báas = death básaid, basat = to kill, put to death básaigid, bäsaiged = to kill put to death, slay básaire = executioner básamuil = mortal bath, baath, báth = death, destruction díbad, dibud, dibath = destruction, extinction, quenching
Irish (Gaeilge)	bás [bˠɑːsˠ / bˠæːsˠ] = death básachán = dying, feeble, creature básadóir = executioner básaigh = to put to death, execute, die básmhaireacht = mortality básmhar = mortal básúil = deathlike, deadly díobhadh = elimination, extinction díobhaí = without issue, extinct
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bàs [baːs] = death, fatality, decease, demise bàsachadh [baːsəxəɣ] = (act of) dying, expiring bàsail [baːsal] = deadly, fatal, death-like bàsaire [baːsɪrʲə] = executioner bàsmhor [baːs(v)ər] = mortal, deadly, fatal, lethal bàsmhorach [baːsvərəx] = mortal bàsmhorachd [baːsvərəxg] = mortality, deadliness, lethalness diobhadh† = destruction, death, inheritance
Manx (Gaelg)	baase [bɛːs] = death baasoil = deadly, deathlike, fatal baasoiley = deadly baasoilid = deadliness, mortality
Proto-Brythonic	*bad = ?
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bad, bat = plague, pestilence, death
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bad = plague, pestilence, death
Old Cornish	badus = lunatic
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	badus = lunatic
Cornish (Kernewek)	badus = lunatic
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	bat = ?
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bad(ou) = dizziness badet = dazzled
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bad [bɑːt] = daze badañ = to daze badet = stupefied

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *gʷeh₂- (to go, step, stand) [source].

Proto-Celtic	marwos = dead marwāti = to die, kill marwonatus, marwonatā = elegy, eulogy
Gaulish	*maruos = dead
Old Irish (Goídelc)	marb = dead; mortified, insensible, spiritually dead; inanimate; stagnant (water) marbaid = to die, kill marbán = corpse, dead person marbdae = mortal, lifeless, inanimate mart = death, dead animal, slaughtered cow or ox
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	marb = dead (person), mortal, mortified, insensible, spiritually dead, dying, lifeless, unconscious marbaid = to kill, slay marbnad, marbna, marbnadh = elegy
Irish (Gaeilge)	marbh [ˈmˠɑɾˠəvˠ / ˈmˠarˠuː / ˈmˠarˠu] = dead person, death, defunct marbhán = dead person, corpse, lethargic person, sultry weather marbhánta = lifeless, spirtless, lethargic, dull, stagnant, airless, sultry, oppressive marbhlann = morgue marbhna = elegy marfach = killing, slaying, carnage, slaughter, deadly, fatal, lethal marfóir = killer
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	marbh [marav] = dead person, the dead marbhach [maravəx] = deadly, mortal marbhachadh [maravəxəɣ] = (act of) killing marbhadair, marbhaiche = killer, slayer, murderer marbhadh [maravəɣ] = (act of) killing marbhan [maravan] = corpse marbhrann [maravrən] = elegy
Manx (Gaelg)	marroo = dead, lifeless, inanimate, glassy (look), muggy, dull, dud, stagnant, defunct, mortified, slaughtered, departed, deceased, killed, extinct marrooagh = deadly, fatal, lethal, overpowering, internecine marvaanagh = mortal, earthborn, fatal, vile merriu = (the) dead, dead men, departed souls
Proto-Brythonic	marw = dead marwọd [marˈwɔːd] = to die *marwnad = elegy (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	marw, maru = dead, deceased, inanimate, spiritually dead maru, merwi, marw = to die, expire, cease to exist, vanish, fade away marwnad, marwnat = elegy, dirge, funeral song, epitaph marwavl, marwawl, marwol = mortal, transitory, transient
Welsh (Cymraeg)	marw = dead, deceased, inanimate, spiritually dead, insensible, lifeless, dull, languid marwolaeth = death, decease, demise; suffering, tribulation; deadly plague or pestilence, fatal disease marw(af), merwi = to die, expire, cease to exist, vanish, fade away marwaidd = lifeless, languid, torpid, listless, dull, slugglish, drowsy, numb marwnad [ˈmar.(w)nad] = elegy, dirge, funeral song, epitaph marwol = mortal, transitory, transient
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	marow = dead, deceased, lifeless marwel, merwel = to die, become lifeness
Cornish (Kernewek)	marow = dead (person), switched off marwel = mortal marwostel = mortgage marwostla = to mortgage mernans = death merwel = to decease, die, pass away
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	marf, maru = death maruel = mortal meruell, meruel = to die
Breton (Brezhoneg)	marv [mɑːro/ˈmarw] = death marvedigezh = extinction marvel = mortal marvelezh = mortality marvenn = necrosis marveenniñ = to necrotize, become gangrenous marvus = mortal, perishable mervel [mɛr.vɛl] = to die, pass away, become insensible, extinguish

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *mr̥wós (dead), from *mer- (to die, disappear) [source]. Words from the same roots include morbid, moribund, mortal, mortgage, murder, nightmare and postmortem in English, мереть (to die, stand still, sink) in Russian, mìrt (to die, stop working) in Latvian, and mir̃ti (to die) in Lithuanian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ankus = death
Old Irish (Goídelc)	éc = death
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	éc, ec = death
Irish (Gaeilge)	éag = Death, numbness, powerlessness éagach = deceased (person) éagbhás = dead-and-alive person éaglach = (state of) extinction, death éagmhar = fatal, causing death
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eug [eːg] = death, Death, ghost, spectre eug-lios = burial ground, churchyard, cemetery eugach [iəgəx] = deathly, death-like, ghastly eugachdainn [eːgəxgɪnʲ] = (act of) perishing, giving up the ghost eugail [iəgal] = deathly, death-like, ghastly
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	agheu, angheu, aghev = death, decease, demise
Welsh (Cymraeg)	angau = death, decease, demise, annihilation, cessation, mortal danger
Old Cornish	ancou = death
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ancow = death
Cornish (Kernewek)	ankow = death
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	ancou = Death
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ancou, ancquou, anquou = Death
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ankoù [ˈãŋkow/ˈãŋku] = Death, skeleton

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *neḱ- (to perish, disappear). 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, éacht (slaying, slaughter, feat, exploit) in Irish, aeth (pain, woe, grief, sorrow) in Welsh, and related words in the other Celtic languages [source].

Streams and Currents

5th May 20192nd March 2024 By Simon

Words for stream, current and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*srutom = stream, river; flow, current
Gaulish	srut(u)a = torrent, stream, watercourse
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sruth [sruθ] = stream, river, current; strait
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sruth = stream, river, current, torrent, strait
Irish (Gaeilge)	sruth [sˠɾˠʊ(h)] = stream, current, flow sruthach = streaming, flowing, full of streams sruthaigh = to stream, flow sruthaire = stroller, vagabond, unbidden guest sruthaireacht = (act of) roaming, vagabondage, (act of) scrounging sruthán = (small) stream, rivulet, brook, gush, flow sruthánach = abounding in streams, streaming sruthlán = streamlet, rill
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sruth [sdruh] = stream, current sruthlag [sdrul̪ˠag] = runnel, streamlet sruthan [sdruhdan] = long stream of words, long-winded talk sruthach [sruhəɣ] = flowing, streaming, flow sruthan [sdruhan] = brook, streamlet sruthadair [sdruhədɪrʲ] = streamer
Manx (Gaelg)	stroo [struː] = current, stream, race, watercourse, tide-race, tidal flow strooan = brook, creek, river, rivulet, stream, waterway strooaney = flowing, streamed strooanagh = full of streams, streaming
Proto-Brythonic	*frud = stream, river; flow, current
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	frut, ffrwt, ffryt = swift stream, torrent, flood, current
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ffrwd [fruːd] = swift stream, torrent, flood, current ffrwdel = leaves and branches piled together in a flooded river ffrwd fâl, ffrwd y felin = mill-stream ffryd(i)af, ffrydio, ffrydu = to flow, stream, gush, purl, shed ffrydiedig = flowing, shed ffrydiog = streaming, flowing ffrydiol = flowing, streaming, gushing, fluid ffrydiolrwydd = fluidity ffrydlif, ffrwdlif = stream, streaming flood, torrent, current, tide
Old Cornish	frot = stream
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	frot = strait, channel
Cornish (Kernewek)	fros = current, flow fros tredan = electric current frosa = to flow
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	frud, frut = torrent, stream
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	froud = torrent, stream/td>
Breton (Brezhoneg)	froud [fruːt] = torrent, stream

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *srew- (to flow, stream). Words from the same PIE root include rheum, rhythm and stream in English, and Strom (large river, stream, current) in German [source].

Proto-Celtic	*nantos / nantus = stream, valley
Proto-Brythonic	*nant [ˈnant] = stream, river, valley
Gaulish	*nanto = valley
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nant [ˈnant] = river, stream, brook
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nant [ˈnant] = river, stream, brook, rivulet; torrent, ditch, valley, glen, dale; ravine, gorge nentig, nennig = small stream
Old Cornish	nans = stream
Cornish (Kernewek)	nans [nans / nænz] = dale, valley
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	nant = valley
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nant, ant = valley
Breton (Brezhoneg)	(n)ant [(n)ãnt] = valley with watercourses (archaic, used in place names)

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Celtic *nemetom (sacred place, sanctuary), from the Proto-Indo-European *nem- (to give, take, distribute) [source].

The Francoprovençal word nant (stream) comes from the same Proto-Celtic roots [source], as does the French place name Nanterre [source], the Irish word neimheadh (sanctuary, privilege of rank, holy thing), and the Breton word neved / neñved (sanctuary) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include numb, number in English. nemen (to take, grasp, grab) in Dutch, nehmen (to take, hold, grasp) in German, nimh (poison, venom) in Irish and Scottish Gaelic [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	fobhar = well, stream
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guuer, gouer, gofer = stream gouerei, goferu, goveru = to derive, emanate, gush, stream, run, cause to flow, pour
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gofer = overflow of a well, stream, effluence, duct, stream, brook, rill, rivulet goferaf, goferu = to derive, emanate, gush, stream, run, cause to flow, pour goferllyd = oozy, marshy
Old Cornish	guuer = brook, stream
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gover = brook, stream
Cornish (Kernewek)	gover = brook, stream
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	gouher = stream
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	gouuer, gouer, gouvea = stream
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gou(v)er [ˈɡuː(v)ɛr] = stream, streamlet gouverian, gouveriañ = to irrigate

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic	wētā, wēttā = swamp, stream
Old Irish (Goídelc)	féith [fʲeːθʲ] = vein, sinew, kidney
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	féith, feith = kidney, fibre, sinew, vein, artery, vessel féithech = sinewy, veined
Irish (Gaeilge)	féith [fʲeː(h)] = sinew, muscle, vein, soft seam in bogland, vine féitheach = sinewy, muscular, veined, ribbed, swampy féitheog = (small) sinew, muscle, vein féitheogach = sinewy, muscular, brawny
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fèith [feh] = muscle, sinew, vein, stagnant channel in a bog (often overgrown with moss and dry in summer) fèith-dhìreach = gullet, oesophagus fèith-lùthaidh = sinew, tendon fèitheach [fɛː.əx] = muscled, muscly, sinewy, veiny fèitheag [fɛː.ag] = small muscle, sinew or vein
Manx (Gaelg)	feh = nerve, sinew, tendon fehagh = sinewy
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guyth, gwyth, gỽyth = vein, sinew, nerve, stream gúithén, gwythen = vein, blood-vessel, artery, muscle gwythiennawc, gwythennoc = veined, full of veins, venous, striated
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gŵyth [ɡuːɨ̯θ/ɡʊi̯θ] = vein, sinew, nerve, stream, brook, ditch, gutter, drain, channel, firth, estuary gwythennus = full of veins, veined, veiny gwythïen, gwythen = vein, blood-vessel, artery, muscle, siney, (harp) string gwyth(i)ennog = veined, full of veins, venous, striated
Old Cornish	guid = channel, pipeline, vein
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwyth, goth = channel, pipeline, vein
Cornish (Kernewek)	gooth = channel, pipeline, vein
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	goed, guoeth = stream
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	goazz, goaz, gouaz = stream
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwazh [ɡwaːs] = stream, canal, channel, washhouse, marshy meadow gwazheg = watered, marshy gwazhell = watered land gwazhenn = vein gwazhian, gwazhiañ = to dig a stream, to make a bed, to water gwazhiennek = veined

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *weyh₁- (to whither), which is also the root of výsti (whither) in Lithuanian, and vissna (to wilt, whither) 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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

To Carry / Flow

11th February 201924th January 2025 By Simon

Words for to carry, to flow and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	bereti = to carry ɸarebereti = to use
Old Irish (Gaídelc)	beirid [ˈbʲerʲiðʲ] = to carry, bear, bring forth, judge ar·beir [arˈbʲerʲ] = to live, use, employ, eat, reproach, subdue, express
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	beirid, berid = to carry, infer, bear, bring forth, be born, yield, produce, judge, pass judgement ar-beir, airbir = to live, eat, use, employ, plead, subdue, express
Irish (Gaeilge)	beir [bʲɛɾʲ] = to bear, give birth to; lay (eggs); bear away, win; bring, take; catch, overtake; proceed, advance
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beir [berʲ] = to take hold; bring forth, bear, produce; carry beirachd [berʲəxg] = bearing (children), giving birth, birthing, bringing forth, birth, nativity, taking hold, holding, catching up with
Manx (Gaelg)	behr = to bear (give birth to) ruggyr = birth, nativity laa ruggyr, laa ruggyree = birthday
Proto-Brythonic	bėrɨd [be̝ˈrɨːd] = to flow, carry ėrβėrɨd [be̝ˈrɨːd] = to make use of, employ, take
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	beru = to flow
Welsh (Cymraeg)	beru = to flow, drip; drizzle arfer [ˈarvɛr] = to use, be used to, be accustomed to; custom, practice, procedure, habit
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	berthy = to bear, carry, sustain, entertain, take perthy = to bear, carry, sustain, entertain, take porthy = to bear (with), carry, endure, sustain, suffer
Cornish (Kernewek)	perthi = to bear, endure, put up with, stand, suffer, tolerate perthyans = endurance, patience, tolerance
Middle Breton	beraff = to flow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	berañ [ˈbeːrã] = to drip, flow

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰéreti (to be carrying), from *bʰer- (to bear, carry) [source]. Words from the same roots include: barn, barrow, (to) bear, birth, broad and (to) thole (to endure) in English, bie (to bring, deliver) Albanian, բերել (berel – to bring, fetch) Armenian, and berti (to throw, strew, scatter, shed) Lithuanian [source].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Lithuanian (lietuvių kalba)

Facing Opposition

Mind Sense

Calling Words

Water

Frosty Ice

Strength

Oak (trees)

Death

Streams and Currents

To Carry / Flow