Category: Old Irish (Goídelc)

Grass

By Simon

Words for grass, hay and related words in Celtic languages.

Grass on Roman Camp, Bangor

Proto-Celtic *wegrom/*wegro- = grass
Old Irish (Goídelc) fér [fʲeːr] = grass
Irish (Gaeilge) féar [fʲeːɾˠ] = grass, hay
féarach = pasture
féaránach = grazing animal, animal sent to pasture
féarúil, féarmhar. = grassy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) feur [fiər/fjɔːrʲ] = grass, hay
feur-itheach = herbivorous
feur-tioram = hay
fiabhras-feòir = hay fever
Manx (Gaelg) faiyr [feːə] = grass
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) gweir, gweyr, gueir = grass, hay
Welsh (Cymraeg) gwair [ɡwai̯r] = grass, hay
Cornish (Kernewek) gora = hay
Breton (Brezhoneg) garzh = hedge, wooden slope

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂weg- (to heap up, increase, enlarge) [source].

Proto-Celtic *gʷeltā = grass
*gʷeleti = to graze
Old Irish (Goídelc) gelt = grazing, feeding, pastures
gelid [ɡʲe.lʲəð] = to graze, consume
Irish (Gaeilge) geil = to graze
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) geil [gʲel] = graze
Manx (Gaelg) gyndyr = grazing, graze, browsing
Proto-Brythonic *gwellt [ˈɡwɛlt] = grass
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) geul, guell, guelt = grass
Welsh (Cymraeg) gwellt [ɡweːɬt/ɡwɛɬt] = grass, herbage
gwellta = to gather/spread straw
gwelltach = waste/worthless straw, stubble, litter
gwellty = straw-house
gwelltiaf, gelltio = to turn to straw, finish flainling straw
gwelltir = glass-land, pasture, prairie
Cornish (Kernewek) gwels = grass
Old Breton guelt = grass
Breton (Brezhoneg) geot, gwelt [ˈɡɛwt/ˈɡɥɛlt] = grass
geoteg = pasture
geotegek = grassy, grazier, pasture

Etymology: unknown [source].

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

Stony Rocks

By Simon

Words for rocks and stones in Celtic languages.

A view from Inis Mór

Proto-Celtic *klukā, *kluggā = stone, rock
*klukaros = pile of stones
Old Irish (Goídelc) cloch [klox] = stone, rock, precious stone, gem, bead (in a rosary), something built of stone, castle, fortress, stronghold
Irish (Gaeilge) cloch [klˠɔx, klˠʌx] = rock, large stone
clochach = stony, rocky
clochaid = stone, covered with stones
clochamail = stony, unyielding
clochán = paved road, causeway
clochar = stony place
clochda = made of stony, stony
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) clach [kl̪ˠax] = rock, stone, testicle, ball
clach-stéidhe = foundation stone
clach an teinntein = hearthstone
clach-uaighe = gravestone, headstone
clach-mheallain = hail(stone)
clach-mhìle = milestone
Manx (Gaelg) clagh [klaːx] = stone, testicle, stone monument
clagh eayil = limestone
clagh eayl = kidney stone
clagh gheayil = coal
clagh gheinnee = sandstone
clagh hayrn = magnet, magnetite, lodestone
Proto-Brythonic *klog = stone, rock
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) clok, cloc, clog = stone, rock
Welsh (Cymraeg) clog [kloːɡ] = rock, cliff, precipice; skull
clegyr, clegr = rocks, stones, rock, crag, cairn, stony place
clogfaen = boulder, large stone, rock
clogfryn = cliff, steep rock, precipice
clogyr = rock, crag
clogwrn = cliff, rock, tump, knoll
clogwyn = cliff, precipice, crag, boulder
Cornish (Kernewek) clog = stone, rock
Breton (Brezhoneg) kleger = rock, rocky

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic *karrikā, *karrikī = stone, rock
Old Irish (Goídelc) carrac = rock
Irish (Gaeilge) carraig [ˈkɑɾˠɪɟ, ˈkaːɾˠɪɟ, ˈkaɾˠəc] = rock
carraigeach = rocky
carraigeolaí = petrologist
carraigeolaíocht = petrology
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) carraig [kar̪ˠɪɡʲ] = rock, crag, cliff, pinnacle, hard mass
Manx (Gaelg) carrick = cliff, crag, rock in the sea, fortress
Proto-Brythonic *karreg = stone, rock
Old Welsh carrecc, cerricc = stone
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) carrec, cerric, karreg = stone
Welsh (Cymraeg) carreg [ˈkarɛɡ/ˈkaraɡ] = stone; gall-stone; (fruit) pip; testicle
carreg (yr) aelwyd = hearthstone
carreg a thwll = gibberish, worthless thing (“stone with a hole”)
carreg fedd/bedd = gravestone
carreg (y) filltir = milestone
carreg sarn = stepping-stone, causeway
carreg sylfaen foundation-stone
carreg werthfawr = precious stone
Cornish (Kernewek) karrek = rock
Breton (Brezhoneg) karreg = rock, reef, shell
karregoniel = petrographic
karregoniezh = petrography
karregoniour = petrograph

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *kh₂er- (hard) [source].

Proto-Celtic *maginos = stone, place
Old Irish (Goídelc) magan, maigen = a piece of open land, a spot, home, a place belonging to (someone)
Irish (Gaeilge) maighean = place, steading
Proto-Brythonic *maɣɨn = stone
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) maen, main, mein, mayn = stone
Welsh (Cymraeg) maen [maːɨ̯n/mai̯n] = stone (with a particular use), griddle stone, bakestone, griddle, precious stone
maenaf, maenu = to stone, pelt with stones, petrify
maenaidd = stony, like stone, full of stones
maenwaith = stonework, masonry
calchfaen, conglfaen = limestone
gwenithfaen, ithfaen = granite
llosgfaen = brimstone, sulphur
sylfaen = foundation, base, basis
tywodfaen = sandstone
Cornish (Kernewek) men = stone
Old Breton main = stone
Middle Breton main, maen, men = stone
Breton (Brezhoneg) maen = stone

Etymology: possibly related to the Proto-Celtic word *magos (plain, field), from the Proto-Indo-European *meǵh₂- (big, great) [source].

Proto-Celtic *ɸlikkā = (flat) stone
Old Irish (Goídelc) lecc = plate, stone, flat slab or rock
Irish (Gaeilge) leac [l̠ʲak, l̠ʲæk] = flat stone or rock, flagstone, slab, lid
leacach = area of flat rocks or flagstones; strewn with flat stones, flagged, stony
leacán = small flat stone, slab, tile
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) leac [l̪ʲɛxg] = flagstone, slab; tile; cheek; callus
leacag = small slab, tile
leacan = small slab, flagstone
Manx (Gaelg) leac = slab, sheet, flagstone, headstone, plaque, monolith, slate
leacan = tile
Proto-Brythonic *llex = (flat) stone
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) llech, lec = slate, slab of stone
Welsh (Cymraeg) llech [ɬeːχ] = slate, bakestone, griddle, slab of stone, paving stone, gravestone, rock, boulder, cliff
cromllech = cromlech, dolmen
llechfaen = slate, slab, flag, tablet, bakestone, griddle
priddlech = tile, brick
Cornish (Kernewek) legh = slates
Breton (Brezhoneg) lec’h = megalith. dolmen, flat rock

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *pl̥keh₂ (flat surface), from *pleh₂- (flat), which is also the root of English words such as floor, palm, piano, plain, plan and plane [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

River Mouths

By Simon

Words for estuary / mouth (of a river) in Celtic languages.

Porth Penrhyn ac Afon Cegin

Proto-Celtic *adberos = mouth, confluence (of a river)
Pictish *ᚐᚁᚓᚏ (aber) = mouth, confluence (of a river)
Old Irish (Goídelc) abar [ˈfʲilʲi] = confluence, river mouth
Irish (Gaeilge) abar [ˈabˠəɾˠ] = boggy ground, morass
abarach = boggy, muddy, sloughy
abracht = boggy place
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) abar / obar = confluence, place where two or more streams meet; marsh, bog, fen
Manx (Gaelg) aber = range, pasturage, river mouth, bunker, run
Proto-Brythonic *aber [aˈbɛːr] = mouth, confluence (of a river)
Old Welsh) oper, aper = estuary, mouth of a river
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) aber = estuary, mouth of a river
Welsh (Cymraeg) aber [ˈabɛr/ˈaːbɛr] = river mouth, estuary, confluence, bay, harbour, port, anchorage
Old Cornish aber = estuary, mouth of a river
Cornish (Kernewek) aber = river mouth
Old Breton aperou = estuary, mouth of a river
Breton (Brezhoneg) aber = estuary, mouth of a river, confluence, creek

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *ad- (to(wards), at) and *beros (bearer, flow) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc) *in(d)ber = river mouth
Irish (Gaeilge) inbhear / inbhir [ˈabˠəɾˠ] = river mouth, estuary, firth
inbhearach = having many estuaries
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) inbhir [in̪ʲɪrʲ] = estuary, river mouth, (internet) feed
Manx (Gaelg) inver = estuary, river mouth

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *endo-ber-o (carrying in) [source].

Notes
These words appear mainly in placenames such as Aberaeron, Abererch, Aberffraw, Abergavenny (Y Fenni), Abergynolwyn, Aberystwyth, Abergwaun (Fishguard), Aberhonddu (Brecon), Aberteifi (Cardigan), Aberdaugleddau (Milford Haven), Aberpennar (Mountain Ash) and Abertawe (Swansea) in Wales.

Aberdeen (Obar Dheathain) , Aberfeldy (Obar Pheallaidh), Aberfoyle (Obar Phuill), Abernethy (Obar Neithich), Arbroath (Aber Brothaig), Invergowrie (Inbhir Ghobharaidh), Inverkeithing (Inbhir Chèitinn), Inverness (Inbhir Nis), Inbhir Nàrann (Nairn), Inbhir Pheofharain (Dingwall), Inbhir Ùige (Wick) in Scotland.

Aber/Obar appear used in Scottish placenames of Pictish origin, and may have been borrowed from Pictish. Inbhir/Inver appear in other placenames [source].

More details of placenames featuring Aber and Inver.

Old Irish (Goídelc) gáeth = the sea, a stream, an estuary
Irish (Gaeilge) gaoth [ɡeːh / ɡiːh] = inlet of sea, estuary
Gaoth Dobhair [ɡiːˈd̪ˠoːɾʲ] = Gweedore (a parish in County Donegal)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) geodha [gʲɔ.ə] = inlet, cove, gully (by the sea), indent(ation)
Manx (Gaelg) giau = creek, inlet, cove
Giau Vooar ny Pershey = Persian Gulf

Etymology: from the Old Norse gjá (chasm, rift, crack) [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Blubrry podcast hosting

Weaving Words

By Simon

Words for weave and related words, in Celtic languages.

Weaving

Proto-Celtic *wegyeti = to weave, compose
Old Irish (Goídelc) figid = to weave, plait, intertwine
Irish (Gaeilge) figh = to weave, put together, contrive, compose (a story, etc)
fián = grain (in meat)
fíochán = (act of) weaving, weave, web, plaiting, tissue, tracery
fíodóir = weaver, spider
idirfhigh = to interweave
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) fighe [fi.ə] = weaving, to weave, knitting
figheadair [fi.ədɛrʲ] = weaver, knitter
fighiche [fi.ɪçə] = weaver
Manx (Gaelg) fee = weave, plait, knit, interlace, braid, intertwine, mat; ravens
feeder, fidder = weaver
fidderaght = texture, weave, weaving
fidderagh = weaving
fidderys = weaving
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) ywehu, weaf, gweawdd, wav, gweheu = to weave, plait, knit
Welsh (Cymraeg) gweu, gwau, gweaf, gweuaf = to weave, plait, knit, spin in a web; to weave or compose poems
gwau [ɡwaɨ̯/ɡwai̯] = weaving, knitting
gwe [ɡweː] = (spider) web, gauze, the Web
gwefan = website
gwead = weave
gweadog, gweadol = weaving, plaiting, twisting
gweadur = weaver, knitter, plaiter, spiner, composer
gwëydd, gwehydd, gwŷdd = weaver, composer of poetry, weaver of songs
gwehyddu = to weave
Cornish (Kernewek) gwia = to weave
gwiader/gwiadores = weaver
gwias = web, fabric. tissue, consistency
gwiasva = website
Middle Breton gueaff = to weave
Breton (Brezhoneg) gweañ = to wring, twist, bend, buckle, writhe; to braid, plait, weave
gwiad = fabric, cloth, tissue, canvas; spider’s web, cobweb
gwiader = weaver
gwiadiñ = to weave

Etmology: from the Proto-Indo-European *weg- (to spin, weave) [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF)

Wild Ones of the Woods

By Simon

Words for Gael, Irish person and other wild types, in Celtic languages.

Ciarán, Caitlín & Cathal

Proto-Celtic *wēdelos = savage, woodsman
Old Irish (Goídelc) Goídel [ˈɡoːi̯ðʲel] = Gael, Irishman
Goídelc [ˈɡoːi̯ðʲelɡ] = Irish (language)
goídelach = Gaelic, Irish, Gaelic-speaking
Goídelta = Gaelic, Irish
Irish (Gaeilge) Gael [ɡeːlˠ] = Gael, Irish person; (Scottish) Highlander
Gaeilge/Gaelainn = Irish (language)
Gaeilgeoir = Irish speaker/learner
Gaeilgeoireacht = (act of) speaking Irish
Gaelach = Irish; attached to the Irish language/culture; native to ireland, homely, pleasant, common, ordinary
Gaelachas = Irish characteristic(s); attachment to Irish culture
Gaelaigh = to Gaelicize
Gaeltacht = Irish(-speaking) people; Irish-speaking area; Gaelic-speaking area of Scotland.
Gaelú = Gaelicization
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) Gàidheal [gɛː.əl̪ˠ] = Gael, Highlander
Gàidhlig [gaːlɪgʲ] = (Scottish) Gaelic (language)
A’ Ghàidhealtachd = Highlands
Gàidhealach [gɛː.əl̪ˠəx] = (culturally) Gaelic; Highland-related
Gàidhealachadh [gɛː.əl̪ˠəx] = making Gaelic; Gaelification, Gaelicisation
Gàidheileamailteach [gɛː.aləmaldʲəx] = German learner of Gaelic
Manx (Gaelg) Gael = Gael
Gaelg, Gailck = Gaelic, Manx (language)
Gaelgagh, Gailckagh = highland people, Manx, Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic
Gaelgeyr = (Manx) Gaelic speaker
Gaeltaght = Gaelic speaking area
Proto-Brythonic *guɨðel = wild
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) Guoidel, Guodel, Gwydyl = Irishman
Welsh (Cymraeg) Gwyddel [ˈɡʊɨ̯ðɛl/ˈɡʊi̯ðɛl] = Irishman
Gwyddeles = Irishwoman
Gwyddeleg = Irish (language)
Gwyddelegwr = Irish speaker, Irish scholar
Gwyddelig = Irish, Hibernian; savage, barbarous
Cornish (Kernewek) Godhal = Gael
Godhalek = Gaelic (language)
Breton (Brezhoneg) Gouezel = Gael
gouezel = Gaelic
gouezeleg = Gaelic (language)
gouezeleger = Gaelic speaker
gouezelegva = Gaelic speaking area

Etmology: from the Proto-Celtic *wēdus (wild), from the Proto-Indo-European *weydʰ- (wood, wilderness). The Irish, Scottish Gaelic and Manx words for Gael were borrowed from Proto-Brythonic [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF)

Wild

By Simon

Words for wild and related words, in Celtic languages.

Gleann Nam Fiadh ..

Proto-Celtic *wēdus/*weido- [ˈweː.dus] = wild
*weido-mokku- wild pig
Old Irish (Goídelc) fíad [fʲiːa̯ð] = wasteland, wilderness; uncultivated land, territory, land
Irish (Gaeilge) fia [fʲiːɾˠ] = waste, wilderness; land, territory
fiabheatha = wildlife
fiáin = wild, uncultivated, undomesticated, uncontrolled, tempestuous, intensely eager
fiánta = wild, fierce, savage
fiántas = wildness, fierceness, savageness; wilderness
fiata = wild, fierce, angry; shy
fiatacht = wildness, fierceness, sternness, anger
fiatúil = wild, coarse, rough
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) fiadh [fiəɣ] = lord; wildness, wilderness (archaic)
fiadhan [fiə.an] = wildness, shyness, feral
fiadhaich [fiə.ɪç] = untamed, uncultivated, wild; fierce; off (food & drink); extremely
fiadhaichead [fiə.ɪçəd] = savageness, wildness, savagery
fiadhain [fia.ɛn̯ʲ] = wild, untamed
fiadhtachd [fiəhdəxg] = wildness, fierceness
faoileachail [fɯːləxal] = wild, savage
Manx (Gaelg) feie = natural, wild, savage
faasagh = wild, desolate, wilderness, waste place, desert
feiar, feiaragh = savage
Proto-Brythonic *guɨð = wild
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) gŵydd, gvyd = rude (uncultivated), savage, wild
Welsh (Cymraeg) gŵydd [ɡuːɨ̯ð/ɡʊi̯ð] = wild, untamed, savage, untilled, uncultivated, woody, overgrown, desolate, desert; unploughed land, fallow land
Old Cornish guir = wild
Middle Cornish gwyr, guyr = wild
Cornish (Kernewek) goodh = wild
Old Breton guoid, guoed = wild
Middle Breton goez = wild
Breton (Brezhoneg) gouez = wild, fierce, ferocious, brutal, rustic

Etmology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *weydʰ- (wood, wilderness). Words for Gael(ic) come from the same root [source].

Disambiguation
There are several words in Welsh similar to gŵydd, each of which has different meanings and origins:

  • gŵydd = wild, untamed, savage
  • gŵydd = presence, sight, face, from the Proto-Celtic *wēdos (sight, presence) [source]
  • gŵydd = goose, simpleton. From the Proto-Celtic *gesdā (goose) [source]
  • gŵydd = grave, sepulchre, burial-mound, tumulus. Possibly related to gwŷdd (tree), or to gŵydd (wild)
  • gwŷdd/gŵydd = knowledge, science. Related to gwybod (to know)
  • gwŷdd = tree(s), branches, twigs, forest, woods, shrub(s), lineage. From the Proto-Celtic *widus (wood, trees) [more details]
  • gwëydd/gwehydd/gwŷdd = weaver, composer of poetry, weaver of songs. From gwau (to weave), from the Proto-Celtic *wegyeti (to weave) [source]
Proto-Celtic *gʷeltis wild
Old Irish (Goídelc) geilt [fʲiːa̯ð] = wasteland, wilderness; uncultivated land, territory, land
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) geilt/gelt = madman, lunatic
Irish (Gaeilge) gealt [ɟal̪ˠt̪ˠ] = crazy person, lunatic; panic-stricken person, naked fugitive
gealtach = crazed, insane, wild, panic-stricken person or animal
gealtachas = craziness, lunacy, panic, terror
gealtacht = lunacy, insanity, wildness, panic
gealtlann = lunatic asylum
gealtra = (gang of) wild, mischievous children
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) geilt [gʲeldʲ] = terror, fear, dread, skittishness
gaelachan [gʲal̪ˠəxan] = lunatic
tinneas na gealaich = lunacy, madness, insanity (archaic)
Manx (Gaelg) doghanagh = ill, diseased, disoredered, morbid, sickly
eayst-ghoghanagh = lunatic
far-ghoghanagh = malingerer
Proto-Brythonic *gwɨlt [ˈɡwiːr] = wild
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) guyll, gwyllt = rude (uncultivated), savage, wild
Welsh (Cymraeg) gwyllt [ɡwɨːɬt/ɡwɪɬt] = wild, timid, untamed, angry, furious, fierce; uncultivated, uninhabited, desolate, desert; stormy, tempestuous, raging, turbulent
gwylltineb = wildness, rashness, rage, fury
gwylltio = to lose one’s temper, be scared, flee, grow wild
gwylltaidd = wildish, turbulent, unruly, irresponsible
gwylltâf/gwylltáu = to become wild, grow wild
Old Cornish guill = wild
Cornish (Kernewek) gwyls = wild, fierce, savage, violent
gwylvos = wilderness
Old Breton gueld = wild, untamed

Etmology: from the Proto-Indo-European *gʷʰel-t- [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF)

Really True

By Simon

Words for true and related words, in Celtic languages.

Creu Gwir fel gwydr o ffwrnais awen

Proto-Celtic *wīros = true
*wīrjā-/wīrjānjā- = truth
*wīrjāno- = truthful, just
Old Irish (Goídelc) fír [fʲiːr] = true, truth
fír fer = fair play
fír flatha = just rule
fír nDé = ordeal (true)
Irish (Gaeilge) fíor [fʲiːɾˠ] = true, real, intense, very, ultra; noble
fíoraigh = to verify
fíoreolas = real knowledge
fíorfhuil = pure, noble, blood
fíorga = righteous
fíorgacht = righteousness
fíorghrá = true love
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) fìor [fiər] = true, veritable; genuine, real, actual, authentic
fìreanta [fiːrʲən̪ˠdə] = true, just, righteous
fìrinn [fiːrʲɪn̪ʲ] = truth, verity, fact, reality; the Gospel
fìrinneach [fiːrʲɪn̪ʲəx] = true, truthful, factual, real, just, honest
fìrinnich, fìreanaich = to verify, justify, exonerate
fìorghlan = chaste, immaculate, pure
fìor-riochdail = realistic
fìor-uisge = springwater, freshwater
Manx (Gaelg) feer = very, exceptionally, true, real, authentic, regular
feeraghey, feerey, firrinaghey = to verity, affirm
feeraghey, firrinaghey = to authenticate, authentication, certify, confirm
feerid = truth, reality, simplicity, veracity, authenticity
feer ushtey = fresh water
firrinagh = authentic, candid, devout, faithful, honest, real
Proto-Brythonic *gwir [ˈɡwiːr] = true
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) gwir, guir, gvir = true
Welsh (Cymraeg) gwir [ɡwiːr] = true, certain, genuine, real, very, right, sure
gwiriad = confirmation, verification, proof, check, assertion
gwir(i)af, gwir(i)o = to prove right or correct, confirm, verify
gwiriant = confirmation, verification
gwirion = pure, sinless, blameless, chaste, true, faithful; weak-minded, silly, daft, foolish, unwise; simpleton, fool, idiot
gwir(i)edig = verified, checked, proved, attested, confirmed
gwiriedigol = positive, certain
gwir golau = Right Honourable
Gwir Anrhydeddus = the plain/naked/honest truth
yn wir = in truth, indeed, verily
cael y gwir = to get justice, get one’s due
Old Cornish guir = true
Middle Cornish gwyr, guyr = true
Cornish (Kernewek) gwir = true, genuine, real, right, actual; authentic
gwiryonedh, gwrionedh = truth
gwiryon = truthful
gwirvos = reality
gwirya, gwirhe = to verify
gwir-pryntya = copyright
y’n gwir = really
yn hwir, dhe wir = truly, really
Old Breton gwuir = true
Breton (Brezhoneg) gwir [ɡwiʁ] = right, true, correct; truth
gwiriañ = to verify
gwirionez = truth
gwirvoud = reality
e(n) gwir = really

Etmology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *weh₁ros (true) from *weh₁- (true). English words such as verdict, verity, very and warlock come from the same root [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF)

Apples

By Simon

Words for apples and related words, in Celtic languages.

Apples / afalau

Proto-Celtic *abalom = apple
*abalnā = apple tree
Gaulish abalon, aballon = apple, apple tree
Old Irish (Goídelc) ubull, uball [ˈu.vul͈/ˈu.val͈] = apple
aball = apple tree
Irish (Gaeilge) úll [uːl̪ˠ] = apple; ball-and-socket joint; globular object, ball
úllach = bearing apples, abounding in apples
úllachán = little apple, little ball (of thread, etc)
úlllgharraí, úllghort, úllord = orchard
úllghlas = apple-green
úll óir = golden apple, precious thing
abhaill = apple tree
fia-úll = crab-apple
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) ubhal [u.əl̪ˠ] = apple
ubhal-chrann, abhaill = apple tree
ubhal-cridhe = tomato
ubhal-fiadhain, fiadh-ubhal, searbh-ubhal = crab/wild apple (malus sylvestris)
ubhal-ghort = apple orchard
dearc-ubhal = oak apple
lionn-ubhal = (apple) cider
òr-ubhal = orange
Manx (Gaelg) ooyl = apple, pommel
ooylagh = orchard
billey ooyl = apple tree
ooyl feie = crab-apple
ooyl ghraih = tomato
ooyl ghraney, ooyl ghrineagh = pomegranate
Proto-Brythonic *aβal = apple
*aβaln = apple tree
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) aual, aval, afal = apple
auallen, avallen, yfallen = apple tree
Welsh (Cymraeg) afal [ˈaval/ˈaːval] = apple
afallen = apple tree
afal cariad = tomato, love-apple
afal cwins = quince
afal drain = haw, hawthorn berry
afal gwlanog = peach
afal sur (bach) = crab apple
Cornish (Kernewek) aval [ˈaval/ˈævɐl] = apple
avalen = apple tree
aval briansen = larynx
aval dor = potato
aval gwlanek = peach
aval kerenja/kerensa = tomato
aval lagas = eyeball
aval paradhis = grapefruit
aval saben = pine cone
Old Breton abal = apple
Middle Breton aval [ˈɑː.val] = apple
Breton (Brezhoneg) aval = apple
avalwez = apple tree
aouraval = orange
greunaval = pomegranate
aval-douar = potato

Etmology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ébōl (apple), which is also the root of words for apple in Baltic, Slavic, Celtic, Germanic and Italic languages [source].

Avalon, the legendary island in the west to which King Arthur was taken after the Battle of Camlann, probably comes from the same root, via the Latin Insula Avallonis – the name used by Geoffrey of Monmonth in his Historia Regum Britanniae (c. 1136). Avalon may have been the Isle of Man, or the Isle of Arran, which were known as Emain Ablach in Old Irish poems [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF)

Strawberries

By Simon

Words for strawberries and related words, in Celtic languages.

Strawberries

Proto-Celtic *subhī = strawberries
Old Irish (Goídelc) sub = strawberry
sub craéb = raspberry
Irish (Gaeilge) sú [sˠuː] = (red) berry
sú craobh = raspberry
sú talún = strawberry
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) sùbh [suː] = berry, soft fruit
sùbh-craobh = raspberry
sùbh-craobh ruiteach = salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis)
sùbh-làir fiadhain = wild / Alpine strawberry (Fragaria vesca)
sùbh nam ban-sìthe = stone bramble (Rubus saxatilis)
sùbh-thalmhainn = strawberry
Manx (Gaelg) soo [suː] = berry
soo crouw = raspberry
soo thallooin = strawberry
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) yssyui / syui / syvi = strawberries
Welsh (Cymraeg) syfi(en) [ˈsəvi] = (wild) strawberries
syfi coch/gwyllt/bach = wild strawberries
syfi gardd = cultivated strawberries)
syfïa = to gather (wild) strawberries
Old Cornish syvyen = strawberry
Cornish (Kernewek) sevi(en) = strawberries
Old Breton s(u)iuy = strawberries
Middle Breton siuy = strawberries
Breton (Brezhoneg) sivi(enn) = strawberries
sivia = to pick strawberries
sivi-garzh = wild strawberries

Etmology: possibly from a non-Indo-European substrate [source]

Middle Welsh (Kymraec) ymevvs / mefys / mefvs / mevys = strawberries
Welsh (Cymraeg) mefus(en) [ˈmɛvɨ̞s / ˈmeːvɪs] = strawberries
mefus y goedwig / mefus y coed = wild strawberries

Etmology: from the Vulgar Latin majusa (“mayberry”), or from the Basque mart (blackberry, bramble), or from the Gaulish *majoþa [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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF)

Blackberries

By Simon

Words for blackberries and related words, in Celtic languages.

Blackberries

Proto-Celtic *smiyoros = berry, berries
Old Irish (Goídelc) smér = blackberry
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) smér = blackberry
Irish (Gaeilge) sméar [sˠmʲiaɾˠ/sˠmʲeːɾˠ] = berry, blackberry
sméarach = abounding in blackberries
sméardhris = blackberry bush, bramble
sméara dubha = blackberries
púca na sméar = fruit-destroying pooka, herald of winter
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) smeur [smiar] = bramble, blackberry, mulberry
smeur-dhubh = blackberry
smeur-craoibhe = mulberry
smeur-loganach = loganberry
smeur-Artaigeach = nagoonberry, Arctic bramble/raspberry (Rubus arcticus)
craobh nan smeur = mulberry tree (Morus)
Manx (Gaelg) smeyr = blackberry, berry
smeyr ghoo = blackberry
smeyr churree = cranberry
smeyr fannag = crowberry
smeyr loaganagh = cloudberry
crouw smeyr = mulberry
Proto-Brythonic *muɨar = blackberries, berries
Welsh (Cymraeg) mwyar(en) [ˈmʊɨ̯.ar/ˈmʊi̯.ar] = blackberries, dewberries, brambles, briers, berries
mwyara = to gather blackberries; to be idle
mwyarbren = mulberry bush, blackberry bush, bramble
mwyar Berwyn/ mwyar Doewan = wild raspberries, (Rubus idæus), cloudberries, (Rubus chamæmorus)
mwyar y brain = bilberries, whimberries, whortleberries (Vaccinium myrtillus)
mwyar y ddaear = dewberries (Rubus cæsius), cloudberries
mwyar du(on) = blackberries (Rubus fruticosus)
mwyar Ffrengig = mulberries, blackberries
mwyar glas = dewberries
mwyar Mair = mulberries, dewberries
Old Cornish moyr(bren) = berries
Cornish (Kernewek) mor(en) = berries
mora = to gather blackberries
mor du = blackberries
Old Breton moiaroc = berries
Breton (Brezhoneg) mouar(enn) = blackberries, berries; bramble, mulberry tree
mouar du / mouar gouez = blackberries, dewberries
mouar gwenn = mulberries
mouar ruz = red mulberries

Etmology: unknown

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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF)