Justly Right

29th December 2023 By Simon

Words meaning just, right and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	kowwaris, komwīros = just, rightful, proper, fitting
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cóir = even, fitting, just, proper córae = justice córus = justice
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cóir, coair, coir = even, well-proportioned, straight, proper, correct, right, suitable, fitting, just córae, corae = correctness, propriety, justice, lawsuit, claim, right, proper, peace, amity, concord córus, corus = justness, rightness, proper arrangement, propriety, peace, agreement
Irish (Gaeilge)	cóir [koːɾʲ/kɔːɾʲ] = justice, equity, proper share, due, proper provision, accommodation, proper condition, proper equipment cóireáil = treatment, treat cóireanta = neat, tidy cóirigh = to arrange, dress, mend, repair cóiríocht = fitness, suitability, accommodation, equipment, fittings, furniture cóiriú = arrangement, dressing, repair cóiriúchán = arrangement, dressing éagóir = injustice, wrong, unfairness, inequity
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	còir [kɔːrʲ] = right, justice, duty, obligation còireachadh [kɔːrʲəxəɣ] = (act of) arranging, arrangement còiread [kɔːrʲəd] = probity, goodness, kindness còrachadh [kɔːrəxəɣ] = arranging, arrangement
Manx (Gaelg)	cair = privilege, property, rights, duty, righteousness, due, right, just, good cair aascreeuee = copyright cair vie = bon voyage, favourable wind, god speed, pleasant journey cairagh = fair, impartial, just, proper, justifiable, justly cairal = right, righteous, upright, upstanding cairys = applicability, fairness, justice, right, uprightness cairysagh = right
Proto-Brythonic	*küwėr = complete
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	couer = fully-equipped, arrayed, furnished, complete, orderly, prepared, ready, correct
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kyveir, kyweir, cyweir = proper order, fit state, repair, provision kyweyryau, kyỽeirir, kyweirio = to put in order, arrange, prepare, set to rights, repair, restore, equip kyweiriawdr = one who sets in order, one who promotes unity or harmony; repairer kyweirwr = repairer, restorer, amender
Welsh (Cymraeg	cywair [ˈkəwai̯r] = proper order, fit state, repair, provision, seasoning, state of mind, mood, humour, temper, condition, state, plight, key (in music), song, harmony, fully-equipped, arrayed, furnished, complete, orderly, prepared, ready, correct cyweiriaf, cyweirio = to put in order, arrange, prepare, set to rights, repair, restore, equip cyweiriawdr = one who sets in order, one who promotes unity or harmony; repairer cyweiriedig = arranged, set in order, preserved cyweir(i)wr = repairer, restorer, amender

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Celtic *kom- (with, together), from PIE *ḱóm (beside, near, by with), and PIE *wīros (true) [source]. Words from the same roots include word for true and related things in Celtic languages, and beware, guard, reward, ward and weir in English [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	cert [kʲer͈t] = fitting, proper, right
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cert = correct, right, proper, fitting, fair, just, straight, even, exact, precise
Irish (Gaeilge)	ceart [caɾˠt̪ˠ/cæɾˠt̪ˠ] = right, just, proper, true, correct, true, real, good, excellent ceartaigh = to correct, rectify, amend, expound, mend ceartaiseach = insistent on one’s rights, self-righteous, dogmatic, conceited, priggish ceartaiseacht = self-righteousness, conceit, priggishness ceartaitheach = corrective, amending ceartaitheoir = corrector, rectifier, reformer, chastiser ceartas = justice, rights
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceart [kʲar̪ˠʃd = right, justice, propriety, righteousness, accurate, correct, proper, right ceartachadh [kʲar̪ˠʃdəxəɣ] = correcting, putting right, rectifying, correction ceartachair = corrector, rectifier, regulator ceartachd [kʲar̪ˠʃdəxg] = correctness ceartas = [kʲar̪ˠʃdəs] = justice, right, equity
Manx (Gaelg)	kiart = accurate, concession, correct, due, equity, even, exact, just, orthodox, precise, right kiartaghey = to accommodate, adjust, amend kiartys = accuracy, correctness, exactness kiartyn = rights
Proto-Brythonic	*kerθ = right, true, certain, vehement, terrible, awful, fine, wonderful
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kerth = right(s), true, certain, vehement, terrible, awful, fine, wonderful kerthrwydd = integrity, justice, awfulness
Welsh (Cymraeg	certh [kɛrθ] = right(s), true, certain, vehement, terrible, awful, fine, wonderful, truth certhrwydd = integrity, justice, awfulness

Etymology: from Latin certus (certain, fixed), from Proto-Italic *kritos, from *krinō (to sift, separate, distinguish, discern), from PIE *krey- (to sift, separate, divide) [source]. Words from the same roots include certo (certain, sure, reliable) in Italian, cierto (true, certain, specific) in Spanish, and certain, crime, crisis, discreet and secret in English [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, 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

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

Pickaxe

11th December 202311th December 2023 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	píce = pole, pike pícóid = mattock, pickaxe
Irish (Gaeilge)	píce [ˈpʲiːcɪ] = pike, fork, peak píceáil = pike, fork, pitchfork, peak píceálaí = forker, pitcher píceán = peak, tip
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	pic, pìc [piːçgʲ] = pike pìceach [piːçgʲəx] = armed with pikes, abounding in pikes pìcear = pikeman
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pig = point, spike, pike pigo = to prick, pierce, goad, peck, sting, bite pigawd = a thrusting or stabbing with a spear, a pricking
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pig [piːɡ] = point, spike, pike, lance, pick(axe), prong, beak pigach = darts pigadail = obelisk, spire, pyramid, cone pigaf, pigo = to prick, pierce, goad, peck, sting, bite pig(i)aid = as much as can be picked up or carried on a pitchfork, beakful pigau = pitchfork, hay-fork pigawd = a thrusting or stabbing with a spear, a pricking pigell = goad, prick, prickle
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	piga = to prick, prickle, sting pigol = mattock, pick, pickaxe
Cornish (Kernewek)	pig = grub axe, grubber, pick, pickaxe, pickle piga = to goad, incite, sting pigell = hoe, pick(axe), pickle pigallas = to hoe pigellik = picker
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pig = pickaxe
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pik = piquant, point, pique pikañ = to sting, bite, pinch pikezenn = pike, spade (in cards) pigell = pickaxe

Etymology (Irish): from Old French pik(k)e, from Latin pīcca (pickace, pike), possibly from Frankish *pikkōn (to peck, strike), or from Frankish *pīk (sharp point, pike), from Proto-Germanic *pīkaz (sharp point, pike, pickaxe, peak) probably of imitative origin [source].

Etymology (Scottish Gaelic, Welsh & Cornish): probably from English pike or the Middle English pyke (pike, sharp point), which ultimately come from the same Proto-Germanic roots as pik(k)e in Old French.

Words from the same roots include peck, pick, pike, pique, pitch in English [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	caib [kɑbʲ/kabʲ] = dibble caibeáil = to plant with an implement, dibble caibeáilaí = planter (of seed), dibbler
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	caibe [kɛbə] = space, mattock, iron part of tools caibe-sìthe = fairy spade (amulet given to sick people & cattle)
Manx (Gaelg)	kiebbey = spade, mattock
Old Welsh	cep = pickaxe, mattock, hoe, ploughshare
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	keyp, keib, caib = pickaxe, mattock, hoe, ploughshare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	caib = pickaxe, mattock, hoe, ploughshare caib garddwr = hoe caib big, caib bicys = pickaxe

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].

Weak and Feeble

2nd December 2023 By Simon

Words for weak, feeble and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*lubros = weak
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lobur = weak, sick, infirm
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lobar, lobur, lobor = weak, infirm, sick, afflicted lobrae = weakness, infirmity, sickness lobrán = weakling, weak person, afflicted person loburda = sickly, ailing loibríne = weak little one
Irish (Gaeilge)	lobhar [tʲasˠ/tʲæsˠ] = leper, (literary) weak, ailing person, afflicted person lobhra = leprosy, (literary) weakness, infirmity, affliction lobhrach = leprous, (literary) weak, ailing, afflicted lobhrán = leper, (literary) weakling, afflicted person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lobhar [l̪ˠo.ər] = leper, disgusting wretch lobhar-leigheas = antiseptic
Manx (Gaelg)	lourane = heat, warmth louraanagh, louranagh, louraneagh = leprous loihrey, lourey; louraanys, louraneys = leprosy
Proto-Brythonic	*lluβr = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llwfyr, llwrf, llwfr = cowardly, craven, timid
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llwfr = cowardly, craven, timid, faint-hearted, unadventurous, apathetic, shy, mean, idle, lazy, improvident; damp; coward llwfrgalon, llyfrgalon = timid, faint-hearted
Middle Breton (Brrezhonec)	loffr, lofr = leper, leprous, oaf lovradur = leprosy
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lovr = leper, oaf lovrezh = leprosy lovrañ = to contract/give leprosy

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *luprós and *lewp- (to peel, strip) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wannos = weak
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fann = helpless, weak
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fann = weak, helpless, soft, pliant fannach = weak, weakling fannaid = weakens, grows weak fanntaise = a swoon, faintness
Irish (Gaeilge)	fann [fanˠ] = faint, weak, languid fannaigh = to weaken, enfeeble, grow weak fannán = gentle breeze fanntais = faaint, swoon, fainting-fit
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fann [fãũn̪ˠ] = weak, feeble, faint, helpless, delicate fannachadh [fan̪ˠəxəɣ] = becoming/making weak, fainting fannachd [fan̪ˠəxg] = weakness, state of being off/spoilt (food) fanntas [fãũn̪ˠdəs] = weakness, faintness
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guan, gvann, gwan(n) = weak, feeble guander, gvander, gwan(n)der = weakness, feebleness, debility guanhau, gwanhau = to grow weak, weaken, languish
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwan [ɡwan] =weak, feeble, languid, faint, mild, gentle, lenient, sad, depressing, gloomy, unlucky, foolish, simple, credulous, timid gwander = weakness, feebleness, debility gwanedu = to dilute gwanedig = enfeebled, enervated, faint gwanhad = weakening, enfeeblement, enervation gwanhau = to grow weak, weaken, languish
Old Cornish	guan = weak
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	guan, gwan = weak, feeble, infirm, poor gwander = weakness, infirmity, debility
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwann, gwadn = faint, frail, weak gwanna, gwadna = to weaken gwannhe, gwadnhe = to weaken gwannliwek, gwadnliwek = pale
Old Breton	guoaean = weak
Middle Breton (Brezhonec)	guan, goan, goann = weak goanaff, goano = to weaken
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwan [ˈɡwãːn] = weak, intransitive gwanaat [ɡwãˈnɑːt] = to weaken gwanadenn, gwanded, gwander = weakness gwanadur = weakening, dimming gwanaj = weak gwanded [ˈɡwãn.det] = weakness

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁weh₂-sn (to disappear, vanish), *h₁weh₂- (to leave, abandon, give out). English words from the same PIE root include vacant, vacuum, vain, void, wane, want and waste [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.

Deceitful Errors

17th November 202317th November 2023 By Simon

Words for to error, deceit and related things in Celtic languages.

Deceitful Errors

Proto-Celtic	welsos = error, deceit wolsos = something wrong
Gaulish	uolson = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fell = deceit, treachery fellaid = to act deceitfully faill = neglect
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fell = deceit, treachery felle = treachery felmaíne = deceitful riches faill, fall = neglect, negligence
Irish (Gaeilge)	feall [fʲɑːl̪ˠ/fʲal̪ˠ] = deceit, treachery, let-down, failure; to prove false to, betray, fail fealladh = deception, betrayal, failure. feallaire = deceiver, betrayer feallaireacht = deception, betrayal fealltach = deceitful, treacherous fealltacht = deceitfulness, treachery feallatóir = betrayer, traitor feallatóireacht = betraying, treachery faill = negligence, omission, chance, opportunity, time, occasion, cessation, easement
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	feall [fjaul̪ˠ] = treachery, conspiracy, trickery, deceit, falsehood feallachadh [fjal̪ˠəɣ] = deceiving, deceit, deception feallag [fjal̪ˠag] = trick feallsach [fjaul̪ˠsəx] = mendacious, false, mock, pseudo feallsachd [fjaul̪ˠsəxg] = mendacity, deceit fealltach [fjaul̪ˠdəx] = fraudulent, traitorous fealltair [fjaul̪ˠdɪrʲ] = deceiver, traitor
Manx (Gaelg)	foall = deceit, felony, murder, slyness foalsaght = deceit(fulness), fallacy, falseness, hollowness, hypocrisy foalsey = affected, bogus, counterfeit, fallacious foalsid = affectation, deceitfulness, falseness, fictitiousness, perfidiousness, untruth foalserey = deceiver, hypocrite, sycophant
Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	guall, gvall, gwall = mistake, error, oversight, fault gwallawc, gwallawg = negligent, careless, loose, faulty, defective guallus, gwalus, gwallus = negligent, careless, heedless, slack, remiss
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwall [ɡwaɬ/ɡwa(ː)ɬ] = mistake, error, oversight, fault, wrong, deceit, lie, defect, negligence, faulty, evil, deficient gwallgof = madness, insanity, delirium, mad, insane gwallgofaf, gwallgofi = to go mad, become insane, be frenzied or frantic gwallog = negligent, careless, loose, faulty, defective gwallus [ˈɡwaɬɨ̞s/ˈɡwaɬɪs] = negligent, careless, heedless, slack, remiss
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwall = accident, defect, neglect gwallus = accidental gwaluster = casualty
Old Breton	guoael = bad, wrong
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	goall, goual, goal, gual(l) = bad, wrong
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwall [gwal] = bad, wrong, nasty, naughty gwallus = harmful gwallvrudañ = to defame gwallvruder = slanderer gwallvruderezh = deffamation, slandering gwallwir = concussion gwalladenn = rape

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *(h₁)welh₁(bʰ)-,, from *wel- (to deceive) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Facing Opposition

10th November 202311th November 2023 By Simon

Words for face 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 = surace, 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 = surace, 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].

Hiding & Concealment

28th October 202329th October 2023 By Simon

Words for hide, conceal and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	kelo- = to hide keleti = to hide, conceal
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ceilid = to hide, conceal
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ceilid = to hide, conceal, admit, allow, concede, withhold, hoard, suppress, destroy ceilt = act of hiding, concealing, suppressing cel = concealment, dissolution, extinction, death celt = covering, garment, clothing celtair = concealment, covering, garment, cloak
Irish (Gaeilge)	ceil [kɛlʲ] = to conceal, suppress, withhold ceileantas = concealment, secrecy ceileatram = disguise, veneer ceilt = concealment, withholding, denial ceilteanas = concealment
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceil [kʲel] = concealment, death (archaic) ceileadh [kʲeləɣ] =(act of) concealing, hiding ceilear [kʲelər] = concealer, someone who hides, screener ceilt [kʲeldʲ] = concealment ceilte [kʲeldʲə] = concealed, hidden ceilteach [kʲeldʲəx] = concealing, reserved
Manx (Gaelg)	keill = to hide keiltyn = to coneal, cover (up), disguies, hide, shelter; concealment, dissimulation, suppression keiltynys = camouflage, furtiveness, hiding
Proto-Brythonic	*kelɨd =
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cêl, cel = hiding, concealment, shelter kelv, kelu, kely = to hide, conceal celadwy, keladwy = hidden, concealed, private, secret keledic = hidden, concealed, secret
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cêl [kɛːl/keːl] = hiding, concealment, shelter, bower, hidden, secret celaf, celu [ˈkɛlɨ̞/ˈkeːli/ˈkɛli] = to hide, conceal, keep secret celadwy = hidden, concealed, private, secret celdy = bower, arbour celedig = hidden, concealed, secret, dissembled celedigaeth = concealment, secrecy celedd = secretiveness, caution datgelaf, datgelu = to reveal, detect, blab, solve
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	celes, celys, kelys = to conceal, hide
Cornish (Kernewek)	kel = hidden, secret keles = to conceal, hide keles ha kavos = hide-and-seek

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱéleti (to be covering, hiding), from *ḱel- (to cover) [source].

Words from the same roots include words for cell and church in Celtic languages, cell, cellar, clandestine, conceal, hall, hell, helmet and occult in English, and the name William [source].

Words such as Celt and Celtic, and their equivalents in other languages possibly come from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via the French celtique (Celtic), Latin Celtae (the Celts) and the Greek Κελτοί (Keltoí) / Κέλται (Kéltai), which is what Herodotus called the Gauls. They might have originally meant something like ‘descendents of the hidden one (the underworld deity)’, and according to Julius Caesar, the Gauls claimed descent from an underworld god [source].

In Breton, kuzh means secret and confidential, and kuzhat means to hide. They are cognate with the Welsh words cudd (concealment, secrecy) and cuddio (to hide, conceal), and the Cornish words kudh (concealed, hidden, secret) and kudha (to conceal, hide). See the Celtiadur post Mysterious Secrets for more details.

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: Old Irish (Goídelc)

Justly Right

Worms & Maggots

Pickaxe

Axes and Hatchets

Weak and Feeble

Flowing Slowly

Deceitful Errors

Facing Opposition

Hiding & Concealment

Sure, Certainly