Fresh & New

7th October 20182nd January 2023 By Simon

Words for fresh and new in Celtic languages.

Words for new in Celtic languages

Proto-Celtic	*ɸūros = new
Old Irish (Goídelc)	úr = fresh, new
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	úr = fresh, new, bright, noble, generous, fair, active, recent
Irish (Gaeilge)	úr [uːɾˠ] = fresh; free, liberal, moist úrach = green timber úraigh = to freshen, scour, cleanse, become moist, damp úras = new milk úrchneasach = fresh-complexioned
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ùr [uːr] = new, fresh ùrachadh = refreshing, renewing, renovating, renewal ùr-ghnàthaich = innovative, innovatory ùr-ghnàthaichear = innovator ùrad = degree of newness, novelty
Manx (Gaelg)	oor = new, sweet, novel, sappy, crisp, span, fresh, hour, raw ooragh = hourly, refreshing ooraghey = to freshen, purify, refresh, relieve, sweeten ooraghtoil, oorey = refreshing
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ir [iːr] = verdant, green, juicy, sappy, moist, succulent, not withered, not dried up or coagulated, fresh, undried; mild; alive, thriving, lively, vigorous; new, fresh, young, unripe iraidd = fresh, verdant, green, juicy, sappy, moist, liquid
Cornish (Kernewek)	yr [ɪ:r/iːr] = fresh

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *puHrós (wheat), possibly from *pewH- (to be clean, pure) [Source].

Words from the same PIE roots include pure in English, პური (ṗuri – bread, wheat) in Georgian, and պուրի (puri – a type of bread) in Armenian [Source].

Proto-Celtic	*nouyos = new
Gaulish	novios = (used in place names*)
Celtiberian	nouiza = new
Old Irish (Goídelc)	núa [n͈uːa̯] = new
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	núa(e) = new, recent, fresh, lusty, vigorous, fair, clear, bright, lately, anew, again, recently
Irish (Gaeilge)	nua [n̪ˠuə / n̪ˠuː] = new, fresh, recent, novel; newness, new thing nua-aimseartha = modern nuachan = novation nuacht = news, novelty nuachtóir = reporter, journalist
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	nuadh [nuəɣ] = new, fresh, recent, novel, modern, unfamiliar a-nuadh = anew nua-aimsireach = modern, up to date nua-fhasanta = newfangled nuadhachadh = renewing, renovating nuadhachas = novelty, innovation
Manx (Gaelg)	noa = fresh, modern, new, novel, original, recent, unused noa-emshiragh = modern noaght = freshness, modernity, newness, novelty noaid = freshness, innovation, newness, novelty, originality aanoaghey = to rejuvenate, renew, renovate
Proto-Brythonic	*newɨð = new
Old Welsh	neguid = new
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	newyt, newyd = new, recent, modern, late, novel newydhau, newyddhau = to renew, renovate, restore
Welsh (Cymraeg)	newydd [ˈnɛu̯.ɨ̞ð/ˈnɛu̯.ɪð] = new, recent, newly-grown, modern, late, novel, changed, different; new (moon), unused, fresh newyddaf, newyddu = to renew, renovate, restore, be renewed or restored, replace, change, reform, modernize, innovate newyddaidd = newish, new, modern, newfangled, fresh, renewed newyddair = neologism, new word or spelling newyddeb = novelty, innovation newyddiadur = newspaper newyddiadura = to be a journalist newyddiadureg = jouralese, journalism
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	newydh, nowydh, nowedh = new, fresh, late, recent
Cornish	nowydh = fresh, new, novel, newly, just nowydh flamm = brand new nowydh genys = newborn
Old Breton	nouuid = new
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nevez [ˈne.ve] = new nevezadeg restoration campaign nevezadenn = innovation nevezadenniñ = to innovate nevezadur = innovation, updating, actualisation nevezer = innovator

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *néw(y)os (new) [Source]. The town of Noia in A Coruña in Galicia in the northwest of Spain probably gets its new from the same Proto-Celtic root possibly via Celtiberian [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

Free

7th October 201812th January 2024 By Simon

Words for free and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*su-wiros = free (“good man”)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	saer [soːi̯r] = free, freeman, noble, craftsman saeraid [ˈsoːi̯rɨðʲ] = to free, liberate, deliver, save, exempt saire [ˈsai̯.rʲe] = freedom, liberty
Middle Irish	saer, soer, sóer = free, freeman, noble, ready, skilled, sáeraid = to free, liberate, save, rescue, deliver saíre, sóire = freedom, liberty, nobility,
Irish (Gaeilge)	saor [sˠeːɾˠ/sˠiːɾˠ] = free, enfranchised; noble; independent saoradh = liberation, deliverance, release, acquittal, assurance, confirmation saoráid = ease, facility, ease, freedom from constraint saoráideach = easy, facile saoráidí = easiness, facileness saoráil = freedom, bargin saorálach = voluntary, free, unconstrained saorálaí = volunteer saoirse = freedom, immunity, exemption
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	saor [sɯːr] = free (not captive); cheap; frank saora [sɯːr̪ˠsə] = freedom, liberty, redemption saorachd [sɯːrəxg] = freedom, cheapness saoradair [sɯːrədɪrʲ] = liberator saoradh [sɯːrəɣ] = freeing, libterating, liberation saorsach = [sɯːr̪ˠsəx] = free, unrestrained saorsachd = [sɯːr̪ˠsəxg] = freedom, exemption saorsainn [sɯːr̪ˠsɪn̪ʲ] = liberty
Manx (Gaelg)	seyr [seːr] = free, gratuitous, gratis, complimentary, immune, floating, independent, unforced seyrsnys = autonomy, exemption, freedom, immunity, independence seyrey = absolution, exemption, liberation; to absolve, acquite, exempt, free, libterate

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *su- (good, well), from PIE *h₁su- (good, well), and Proto-Celtic *wiros (man, husband), from PIE *wiHrós (man, husband) [source]

The Irish name Fearghal (Fergal, Feargal), and the English name Farrell come from the Proto-Celtic name *Wirogalos, from *wiros (man) and‎ *galā (valour, ability) [source], and the Irish name Fearghas and the English version, Fergus, come from the Proto-Celtic name *Wirogustus, from *wiros (man) and‎ *gustus (excellence, force) [source]

Proto-Celtic	*ɸriyos = free
Proto-Brythonic	*rɨð [ˈrɨːð] = free
Middle Welsh (Cymraeg)	ryd, rit = free, nonconformist; unrestricted, unrestrained; open; liberal ryddd-dab, rydd-deb = freedom, liberation, deliverance, immunity ryddhâd, rhyddhaad = release, libteration, freedom rydhaw, rydhaa, rytha = to free, release, liberate
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhydd [r̥ɨːð / r̥iːð] = free, nonconformist; unrestricted, unrestrained; open; liberal rhyddd-deb = freedom, liberation, deliverance, immunity rhyddhad = release, libteration, freedom rhyddhaf, rhyddhau = to free, release, liberate
Old Cornish	rid = free
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	rid, ruid = free, unconstrained
Cornish (Kernewek)	rydh [rɪ:ð / ri:ð] = free rydhses = freedom, liberty
Old Breton (Brethonoc	rid = free

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *priHós (dear, beloved, happy, free), from *preyH- (like, love) [source]. English words from the same PIE roots include free(dom), friend and proper [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

Bad

5th October 20183rd November 2023 By Simon

Words for bad and related things in Celtic languages.

Good

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*drukos = bad
Gaulish	druco- = bad
Old Irish (Goídelc)	droch [drox] = bad, ill
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	droch = bad
Irish (Gaeilge)	droch [drɔx] = bad, poor, evil, ill, un- drochbhéas = vice, bad habit drochmheas = contempt drochobair = bad work, mischief drochrath = ill luck, misfortune drochrud = bad thing, inferior thing, bad/evil person, devil drochrún = evil intention drochuair = evil hour, unfortunate occasion
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	droch [drɔx] = bad, evil, wicked, mischievous, sad, calamitous, dark, obscure, secretive droch-aigne = ill-will droch-allaidh = libel droch-chòrdadh = disagreement droch-fhàistinneach = ominous droch-mhèin = malice droch-thuarach = sinister
Manx (Gaelg)	drogh [drɔx] = evil, wicked, bad, abusive, unenviable, misfortune, badness, ill, sinister, vile drogh aghtalys = misbehaviour, misconduct drogh chaaynt = bad language, smut, swearing drogh chonagh = misfortune drogh hraghtey = to smuggle, smuggling drogh oor = bad luck, ill-times, misfortune
Proto-Brythonic	*drug = bad
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	druc, dryg, drỽc, drwc = bad drycaruer , drygarver, drycarver = bad habit, abuse, misuse drygdafod = scurrilous language, evil tongue
Welsh (Cymraeg)	drwg [druːɡ] = bad, rotten, putrid; poor, piteous, wretched; sorry, grievous, sad; unfavourable, causing disquiet; injurious, harmful; unpleasant (taste); indecent, obscene (words); counterfeit, false; bad; harsh, cruel, severe, ruthless; corrupt, depraved, sinful, wicked, mischievous, naughty strong>drwgabsen = malicious defamation, slander drwgafer = bad habit, abuse, misuse drwgdafod = scurrilous language, evil tongue drwgenwog = infamous, notorious, disreputable
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	droc, drôg, drog = evil, wickedness, harm, injury, wrong, bad, wicked, hurtful, mischievous droca, droga = worst drocoleth = an evil deed, ill doing, injury, damage droga, droaga = to do harm, hurt, injure drogbrederys = evil-minded, malicious, envious drogbres = ill will, spite, grudge drogdavasec = ill-tongued, foul-mouthed, back-biting, reviling drogger = ill report, infamy, reproach droggeriit = infamous, reproachful droggras = revenge, requital drogober, drôk-ober = an evil deed, a crime
Cornish (Kernewek)	drog [drɔ:g / dro:g] = bad, harm, hurt, ill, wrong, evil, invalid, nasty, naughty, wicked, wrong drogdybi = to suspect drogedh = vice drogfara = to behave badly drogga = wrong droghandla = to abuse, mishandle droglam = accident, crash, mishap drogober = crime drogboeror, drogoberores criminal, culprit drogura = to smear drokoleth = widkedness drokter = wickedness
Middle Breton (Brezoneg)	drouc = bad, illness, anger drouc Ælez = the devil, bad angel drouc auantur = misfortune, bad luck droucyez, drouguyez = wickedness, malice, animosity drouc = drouc =
Breton (Brezhoneg)	drouk [druːk] = bad, evil, naughty droug [druːk] = bad, wickedness drougiezh [druˈɡiːɛs] = wickedness, malice, animosity droukrañsus [druˈɡrãsːys] = angry, resentful droukaat = to become bad, make bad drouziwezh [dru.ˈziː.wɛs] = defeat, disaster dizrouk [ˈdi.zruk] = inoffensive, without anger

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *dʰrewgʰ- (to deceive) [source]. Word from the same roots include dream in English, droom (dream) and driegen (to deceive) in Dutch, Traum (dream) and trügen (to deceive, be deceptive) in German [source].

Proto-Celtic	*dognawos = badly grown (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dona [ˈdona] = unlucky, unfortunate
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dona = unfortunate, unlucky, wretched donaide = ill-disposed, wretched donán = miserable creature, wretch donas = ill-luck, misfortune, calamity donogad = act of making wretched
Irish (Gaeilge)	dona [ˈd̪ˠɔn̪ˠə/ˈd̪ˠʌnˠə] = unfortunate, unlucky, bad, poor, wretched, ill donacht = badness, wretchedmess, misfortune, illness donagar = bad condition, misfortune donaigh = to make worse, aggravate, become word, deteriorate, injure, maim donaire = wretch donaireacht = wretchedness donaisín = little wretch, weakling donas = ill-luck, misfortune, affliction, misery, mischief
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dona [dɔnə] = bad, not well donachas [dɔnəxəs] = mischief, harm, bad luck, mishap, devil donachd [dɔnəxg] = mischief, harm, bad luck, mishap donad [dɔnəd] = degree of badness, severity donadas [dɔnədəs] = badness, evil donas [dɔnəs] = mischief, harm, bad luck, devil donasag [dɔnəsag] = imp
Manx (Gaelg)	donney [ɔlk] = calamitous, ill-advised, inauspicious, unfortunate, unlucky, very ill, woeful, unhappy donnan = dolt, dunce, stupid person, worse donnys = affliction, bad luck, mischief, woe

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵneh₃- (to recognise, know) [source]. Words from the same root include can, canny, gnome, ignore, know and quaint in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ulkos = evil, bad
Old Irish (Goídelc)	olc [olk] = bad, evil olcas = badness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	olc, olcc = evil, bad, wrong, misfortune olcach = hurtful, injurious, harm, injury olcas = badness
Irish (Gaeilge)	olc [ɔl̪ˠk] = evil, harm, bad, harmful, poor, wretched, ill-disposed, hardly, scarcely olcach = causing evil, harmful, injurious. olcas = badness, evil, bad state, bad nature, spite
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	olc [ɔl̪ˠxg] = evil, wicked, bad, infamous, ill, iniquity olcag [ɔl̪ˠxgag] = little brat (female) olcair [ɔl̪ˠxgɛrʲ] = evildoer olcas [ɔl̪ˠxgəs] = wickedness, badness
Manx (Gaelg)	olk [ɔlk] = bad, evil, ill, injury, lousy, truculence, unfavourable, vicious, wicked, mischief, naughty, sinful olkeyr = criminal, culprit, evil-doer, offender, mischief-maker olkid = badness, evilness olkys = badness, evilness, iniquity, mischief olkyssagh = baleful, elfish, diabolical, iniquitous, malicious, malignant, mischievous, naughty, vicious, wicked

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁elḱ- (bad [?]) [source]. Words from the same root include ill and possibly ulcer in English, illa (badly, poorly, not well) in Swedish, and ilkeä (bad, mean, wicked, evil) in Finnish [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

Good

3rd October 201820th October 2023 By Simon

Words for good and related things in Celtic languages.

Good

Proto-Celtic	*matis = good
Old Irish (Goídelc)	maith [maθʲ] = good maithe = goodness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	maith, maid = good, profiable, excellent, fitness, proficiency, wealth
Irish (Gaeilge)	maith [mˠa(h) / mˠaɪ(h)] = good; goodness, kindness; good things; fertility maithe = goodness, good maitheamh = forgiveness, pardon, abatement, remission maitheas = goodness, good, good thing, kindness, gift maitheasach = good, useful, kind, obliging maitheasaí = good worker maithiúnas = forgiveness, pardon
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	math [mah] = good, well maitheadh = forgiving, pardoning maitheas = goodness maitheanas = forgiveness, pardon maitheamhnas = forgiveness
Manx (Gaelg)	mie [maɪ] = good, nice, moral, fair, pious, ready, goodness, favourable, virtuous, virtue, goodly mienys = favourableness, good, goodness
Proto-Brythonic	*mad = good
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mad, mat [maːd] = fortunate, lucky, good, etc matweith, madwaith = good work, goodness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mad [maːd] = fortunate, lucky, auspicious, happy, suitable, proper, good, beneficial, holy, fair, pleasant, beautiful, goodness, fairness, benefit, good deed, kindness madedd = goodness, generosity, bounteousness madog = good man, good, just, righteous madol = fair, good, beneficial madwaith = good work, goodness madwr = benefactor, patron
Old Cornish	mad = good
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	mas, mat, mâs, mâd = good, beneficial
Cornish (Kernewek)	mas [ma:z / mæ:z] = good, respectable, moral, virtuous maseth = morality
Old Breton	mat = good
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	mat, mad = good
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mat, mad [mɑːt/maːd] = good, good product, moral, well (done), sweet madek = wealthy, gentle, soft madelezh = kindness, benevolence madelezhus = beneficent, generous madig = sweet, bonbon madoberer = benefactor, patron mataat = to improve, moralize demat [deˈmɑːt] = hello, good day demata = to greet, say hello peurvat [ˈpør.vat] = perfect

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *meh₂tis (ripe, good), from *meh₂- (to ripen, to mature) [source].

Words from the same roots include demure and mature in English, matin (morning) and mûr (mature, ripe) in French, and , mañana (tomorrow, soon, morning) and maduro (mature, ripe) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*dagos = good
Gaulish	dagos = good
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dag- = good
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dag = good, well
Irish (Gaeilge)	dea- [dʲa/ dʲeː] = good, well dea-bhéasach = well-mannered, well-behaved dea-chruthach = well-shaped, shapely, handsome dea-dhéanta = well-made, of good figure, physique
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	deagh [dʲoː] = good, fine, nice, pretty, rather well deagh-rùn = good intention deagh-aithnichte = well-known deagh-chliù = good reputation, fame deagh-spiorad = good spirit deagh-ghean = goodwill, benevolence
Proto-Brythonic	*daɣ = good
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dá, da = good, beneficial, acceptable, suitable, useful daeoni, dayoni, daioni = goodness, uprightness, graciousness, kindness, bravery daionvs, daionus, dayonus = good, beneficial, bountiful, kind, loving, gracious
Welsh (Cymraeg)	da [daː] = good, beneficial, acceptable, suitable, useful daeder = goodness, quality, of goodness daionedd = goodness, benefit daioni = goodness, uprightness, graciousness, kindness, bravery daionus = good, beneficial, bountiful, kind, loving, gracious daionusrwydd = goodness daionuster = goodness, beneficence, benefit
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	da = good dader = goodness, excellence
Cornish (Kernewek)	da [da:] = good da lowr = alright, mediocre, OK, passable da-ober = good deed dader = goodness mellyer/melyores dader = do-gooder
Old Breton	da = good
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	da = good
Breton (Brezhoneg)	da [da] = pleasant, agreeable, satifactory; good (archaic)

Etymology: related to the Proto-Indo-European *déḱos (that which is proper), from *deḱ- (to take, perceive) [source].

Words from the same roots include dech (best) in Old Irish and dainty, decent, decor, dignity, docile doctor and dogma 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, 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

Left & North

3rd October 201821st October 2023 By Simon

Words for left, north and related words in Celtic languages.

Left & North

Words marked * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	kliyos = left (hand) uɸokliyom = north
Old Irish (Goídelc)	clé = left fochlae = the north, seat of honor
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	clé = left fochla = the north, seat of honour
Irish (Gaeilge)	clé [clʲeː / clʲiː] = left, left hand, left-hand side clébhord = port, larbord
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	clì [kliə] = left clì-làmhach = left-handed làmh chlì = left hand, left wing (in politics) clè [kleː] = left, left-handed, mistaken, wrong, lar-board, sinister (in heraldry)
Manx (Gaelg)	clee = left. leftist skian clee = left wing cleeid = left handedness
Proto-Brythonic	kleð = left, northern gwogleð [ɡwoˈɡlɛːð] = north
Old Welsh	cled = left hand, left side gogled = north
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cled, kled = left, left hand, left side argled = left, unlucky, unfortunate guocled, goglet, gogled, gogledd = north
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cledd [kleːð] = left, left hand/side argledd = left, unlucky, unfortunate gogledd = north, northern, northerly, North Wales, north wind
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cledh, clêdh = left, north cledhec = left-handed dorn-kledh = left-handed
Cornish (Kernewek)	kledh [klɛ:ð / kle:ð] = left, left-handed, northern kledhbarth = north Kledhbarthyas, Kledhbarthyades = Northerner kledhek = awkward, clumsy, left-handed kledhek hy thowlow / y dowlow = impractical gogledh = north a-gledh = on the left a-gledh dhe = to the left of a-gledhbarth = on the north side
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	cleiz = left
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kleiz [klɛj(s)] = left, north, northern, irrascible kleizell = left kleizenn = north wind kleiziad – left-handed, left-hander kleizour = left winger a-gleiz [aˈɡlɛj(s)] = to the left gougleiz, gouglez [ˈɡuɡlɛj(s)] = north (archaic)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱléyteh₂ (leaning, sloped, inclined) from *ḱley- (to lean, incline) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include clement, client, climate, climax, clinic, ladder and to lean in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*(s)kīttos = left, left-handed, clumsy, awkward, wrong, sinister, sad
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cittach = left-handed, awkward
Irish (Gaeilge)	ciotach [ˈcɪt̪ˠəx / ˈcɪt̪ˠa(h)] = left-handed, awkward, clumsy, difficult, troublesome, inconvenient ciotachán = left-handed person, awkward, clumsy person ciotóg = left hand, left fist, lefthanded person ciotógach = left-handed, left-fisted, awkward
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ciotach [kʲihdəx] = left-handed, awkward, sinister ciotachan = left-handed person
Manx (Gaelg)	kiuttag = left hand kyttagh = left-handed kiuttaght = left-handedness
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	chwith, hwidd = left, left-handed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	chwith [χwiːθ] = left; left-handed, awkward, bungling, uncouth, unfortunate, sinister, sad, strange, unaccustomed, unusual, wrong, amiss; the left (hand); the Left chwithig = left, left-handed; strange, awkward, clumsy, bungling, wrong, inauspicious, unpleasant, suspicious chwithlyd = sinister, chilly gochwith, go chwith = contrary, opposite, inside out, clumsy, awkward, left-handed; evil, mishap, misfortune

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *skh₂ey- (left) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*towto = left, north
Old Irish (Goídelc)	túaid, thúaid = north, in the north túaidemain = in the north, northwards fa thuaith, fo thuaidh = northwards, to the north
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	túaid, thúaid = north, in the north, northern, northwards túaidebar = the north túaidemain = in the north túaiscert = the north, the left, northerly túaiscertach = northern, left hand, a northerner atúaid = from the north, to the north of
Irish (Gaeilge)	thuaidh [huəɟ / huə / huəj] = (in the) north, northern ó thuaidh = to the north, northwards aduaidh = from the north tuaisceart = north, northern part Tuaisceart Éireann = Northern Ireland tuaisceartach = Northerner, northern, awkward to deal with, surly, rude tuaisceartacht = awkwardness, surliness, rudeness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tuath [tuə] = north gu tuath = northward(s) tuathach [tuəhəx] = northerner, person from North Uist; northerly, northern, boreal tuathal = anti-clockwise, unlucky, ill-omended, confused, agitated, disorientated tuathar = place with a northerly aspect, land facing north tuathlach = unlucky, awkward, left-handed
Manx (Gaelg)	twoaie = north, northerly, northern, boreal, northward twoaieagh = northerner, northsider, northern (Manx) person goal twoaie = rainbow (“going north”) my hwoaie = north, northerly, northward Nerin Hwoaie = Northern Ireland
Old Breton	tut = good, favorable tuthe = a kind of demon

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *tewto- or *tewH- (to look favorably, protect, observe). Cognate with the Latin tūtus (safe, prudent, secure, protected), which is the root of English words like tutor and intuition [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, 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

Narrow

2nd October 201824th September 2023 By Simon

Words for narrow and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*koilos = thin
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cáel, cóel = thin, slender, narrow, fine, delicate, strait cáelán = intestine
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cáel, cóel, cóil = thin slender, narrow, fine, nice, delicate, subtle, exact cáelán, caolan = intestine, gut cáelas = narrows, strait
Irish (Gaeilge)	caol [keːl̪ˠ / kiːlˠ] = thin, slender; fine; narrow; shrill; slender; palatalized; weak, dilute; slight; subtle caolach =osiers, twigs, wicker-/wattle-work caoladán = thin person, thing caoladóir = wicker-worker, basker-maker caolaigh = to become thin, narrow, reduce, dilute caolán = creek, small intestine, catgut caolas = strait, narrows, narrow place, bottleneck
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	caol [kɯːl̪ˠ] = narrow, slender; slim, thin, lean, skinny; lanky caolan = colon, intestine, entrail(s), gut(s) caolanach = colonic, intestinal caolraid = alley, vennel, wynd caolaich = make slender, slenderise caolachadh = (act of) narrowing, slenderisation caolas = narrow(s), strait caoladair = wickerworker
Manx (Gaelg)	keyl [keːl] = thin, fine, attenuated, lanky, lean, slim, slight, willowy, gracile, tapered, slender, hairline, narrow, spare, small, drawn out, watery (soup), weak (solution) keyllaghey = narrow (down), narrowing keyley = narrowing, slenderize, thin keylagh = to attenuate, attenuation, slenderize, thin, thinning
Proto-Brythonic	*kʉl = narrow
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cul, kul = narrow, lean culaidd, culedd = narrowish, restricted culhau, kulhau = to become narrow, shrink
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cul [kɨːl / ˈkiːl] = narrow, lean, illibera,; bigoted, narrow-minded culaidd = narrowish, restricted culder, culdra = narrowness, leanness culdir = isthmus, narrow strip of land culfa = strait, narrow place, narrow passage culhaf, culhau = to become narrow, shrink, lose fat
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cul = narrow, strait culurionein, kylyrion = the bowel
Cornish (Kernewek)	kul [ky:l / ki:l] = narrow kuldremenva = corridor
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kul = narrow

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *koyHlo- or *skey- (to dissect, split) [source].

The word kyle, which appears in placenames such as Kyle of Lochalsh (Caol Loch Aillse) is an English version of the Scottish Gaelic caol [source].

Another word for narrow in Breton is strizh [ˈstriːs], which comes from the Latin strictus (tightened, compressed). The English words strict and strait 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, 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

High, Elevated, Noble

30th September 201827th August 2023 By Simon

Words for high and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*ardwos = high
Gaulish	*arduenna = high
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ard [ar͈d] = high, height
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ard = high, elevated, lofty, noble, distinguished, great, proud, difficult, laborious, arduous, height ardach = hilly ardae, airde = height, high place, greatness, nobility, loudness ardaid = rises (against), to rebel ardán = pride, arrogance ardrí = high king
Irish (Gaeilge)	ard [ɑːɾˠd̪ˠ / æːɾˠd̪ˠ] = height, hillock, top, high part; high, tall; loud; ambitious; chief, excellent, noble, advanced ardaigh = to raise, elevate, ascend, carry ardán = small height, platform, stage, stand, terrace, uplift ardrí = high king ardscoil = high school ardú = elevation, increase, exaltation, excitement
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	àrd [aːr̪ˠd] = high, lofty, tall; great; loud; chief, eminent, superior, supreme àrd-cheann = superior, chief àrd-chùirt = high court àrd-chiallach = intellectual àrd-ollamh = professor àrd-sgoil = secondary school, high school àrdchadh = raising, elevating, promoting, advancing, raise, elevation, promotion, advancement àrdaichte = raised, upgraded àrdan = arrogance, haughtiness, pride, elevation, eminence, height
Manx (Gaelg)	ard = high, towering, tall, big, loud, height, high place, fell, incline, district, region, direction, compass point, pole ardan = platform, stage, stand ard-chione = head, principal, superior, supremo ardys = exaltation, greatness, height
Proto-Brythonic	*arð = high
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ard, art = hill, highland, top; high, upland
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ardd [arð] = hill, highland, top; high, upland ardd-tir = high ground
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ard, arth = height, high place arthelath = lordship
Cornish (Kernewek)	ardh = height, high place
Breton (Brezhoneg)	arz = high, elevated

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₃r̥dʰwós, from *h₃erdʰ- (to increase, grow; upright, high) and *-wós (creates adjectives from verbs) [source].

The Ardennes, a region of forests and hills in mainly in Belgium, Luxembourg, and also in France and Germany, was known as Arduenna Silva in Latin. The first part of the Latin name probably comes from the Gaulish *arduenna, or from the Latin arduus (lofty, high, steep, tall), which comes from the same PIE root [source].

Other words from the same PIE roots include arbor, arduous, orthodox and orthography in English, arbre (tree) in French, árbol (tree, mast) in Spanish, and рост [rost] (growth, increase, rise, height, stature) in Russian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ouxselos = high, elevated
Gaulish	*uxelos = high
Old Irish (Goídelc)	úasal = high
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	úasal = high, lofty, noble, honourable, noble
Irish (Gaeilge)	uasal [ˈuəsˠəlˠ] = noble, high-born; gentle, gentlemanly; precious, fine; (of place) sacred to the dead; hallowed; enchanted, inhabited by fairies
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uasal [uəsəl̻ˠ] = noble, highminded, genteel
Manx (Gaelg)	ooasle = aristocratic, lofty, illustrious, esteemed, gentlemanly, patrician, honourable, dignified, lordly, magnificent, classy, respected
Proto-Brythonic	*ʉxel [ʉˈxɛːl] = high, elevated
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	vchel, uchel = high, tall
Welsh (Cymraeg)	uchel [ˈɨ̞χɛl / ˈiːχɛl /ˈɪχɛl] = hill, tall; high(-ranking), exalted, important, solemn, sublime, splendid, excellent, noble, stately, respectable, commendable; proud, haughty, arrogant, presumptuous, snobbish uchelaf, uchelu = to raise, heighten, exalt, increase uchelaidd = exalted ucheldeb = highness uchelder = high place, height, tallness, altitude, climax ucheldir = highland, upland, high place, the Highlands ucheldra = highness, height, glory, majesty, authority ucheledig = elevated, sublime, noble
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	uchel = high, lofty, towering uchelder = height, highness, loftiness uchelle = to make high, exalt, hallow, sanctify
Cornish (Kernewek)	ughel [‘ʏhɛl / ‘ɪʍɐl] = high, grand, loud, tall ugheldas = patriarch ughelder = height, loudness, tallness, volume ughella = higher, superlative ughelor = noble ughelvam = matriarch
Old Breton	uchel, uhel = high
Middle Breton	vhel, uhel, uc’hel = high uhelaat = to raise, elevate uheladur = raising, heightening uhelañ = highest, summit uheldad = patriarch uhelded = height, greatness, loftiness uhelegezh = ambition, pride
Breton (Brezhoneg)	uhel = high, upstream, uphill uhelaat = raising uhelder = altitude uhelded = height, greatness uheldiad = dignitary uhelvrud = prestige

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₃ewps- (height) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include subtle and supine (lying on its back) in English, sotto (down, underneath, below) in Italian, arduous, orthodox and orthography in English, arbre (tree) in French, árbol in Spanish, and рост [rost] (growth, increase, rise, height, stature) [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

Broad & Wide

29th September 201827th August 2023 By Simon

Words for broad, wide and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸlitanos = broad, wide
Gaulish	litana = broad, wide
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lethan [l͈ʲeθan] = broad, wide
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lethan, = broad, wide, wide-spread leithet, leithne = breadth, width lethaid, lethad = speads out, extends
Irish (Gaeilge)	leathan [ˈl̠ʲahənˠ] = broad, wide, extensive leathanaigeanta = broad-minded leathanduilleach = broad-leaved, broad-brimmed leathanghiallach = square-jawed leathanghuailleach = broad- / square-shouldered leathanas = wide extent, wideness leathnú = widening, expension, extension
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leathann [l̪ʲɛhən̪ˠ] = broad, wide, extensive bann-leathann = broadband aimhleathan [ãĩl̪ʲan] = narrow cas-leathann = broad-footed, webbed, web-footed
Manx (Gaelg)	lhean = wide, sheet, sweeping, flat of nose, extensive, broad, full (of chin) lheanagh = broad, flattening bann lhean = broadband beeal lhean = wide-mouthed, yawning (chasm) lhean cheeillagh = square-jawed
Proto-Brythonic	*lɨdan [lɨˈdan] = broad, wide
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	litan, lledan, llydan = broad, wide llydany = to widen llydander, lledander = breadth, width
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llydan [ˈɬədan] = broad, wide, long or wide (stride); sturdy, stout; extensive, spacious, plentiful, numerous llydanaf, llydanu = to widen, make/become wide(r), enlarge, dilate llydander, lledander = breadth, width, broadness, latitude, amplitude, extent, latitude llydanedd, lledanedd = breadth, broadness, extent llydan llydan
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ledan [‘lɛdan] = broad, wide, ample, spacious, extensive ledanles = plantain
Cornish (Kernewek)	ledan [‘lɛdan] = broad, wide, widely ledandewlel = broadcast ledanhe = to widen bond ledan = broadband
Old Breton	letan, litan = broad, wide
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ledan = broad, wide ledañ, lediñ, ledek = to extend, spread, expand ledanaat = to enlarge ledanded = width, scope, calibre
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ledan [ˈleː.dãn] = wide, broad ledanded = width, scope, calibre ledander = width, breadth, wideness

Etymology
From Proto-Indo-European *pl̥th₂-enos (wide, broad), from *pleth₂- (flat) [source].

The Welsh name for Brittany, Llydaw, comes from the same roots, via the Old Welsh Litau, the Proto-Brythonic *Llɨdaw (continent, mainland [Europe], Brittany), the Proto-Celtic *ɸlitawī (country, earth) and the PIE *pl̥th₂éwih₂ (country). The Old English word Lid-wiccas (Breton people, Brittany), as does the old French name for Brittany, Létavie [source].

Some English words from the same roots include field, flan, flat, plaza, plantain, plate, plateau [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

Gods and Goddesses

28th September 201812th August 2023 By Simon

Words for gods, deities & days in Celtic languages.

The Gallo-Roman Horse Goddess Epona

Proto-Celtic	dēwos = god, deity, day dēwā = goddess
Gaulish	deuognata, teuoxtonio-, dēuos, dēwos, dēvona = god
Celtiberian	teiuoreikis, deobriga = god
Old Irish (Goídelc)	día [dʲiːa̯] = god bandía = goddess díadae, deoda = godly, divine, holy deacht = godhead
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	día, dea, déa, de, dee = god, goddess, supernatural being, object of worship deacht, déacht = godhead, divity díadae, díade, diadu = divine, godly, holy
Irish (Gaeilge)	dia [dʲiə] = god, deity bandia = goddess diaga = divine, godly, godlike, sacred, holy diagacht = divinity, godhood, godliness, piety, theology diagaigh = to deify, apotheosize diagaire = divine, theologian diaganta = godly, pious dia-aithis = blasphemy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dia [dʲiə] = god, God ban-dia = goddess diadhachd [dʲiə.əxg] = deity, divinity, godhead diadhaidh [dʲiə.ɪ] = divine, godly, pious diadhaireachd [dʲiə.ɪjəxg] = godliness diadhaidheachd [dʲiə.ɛrʲ] = theologian diadhair [dʲiə.ɛrʲ] = theologian
Manx (Gaelg)	jee = god, deity, godhead ben jee = deity, goddess jeeoil = divine, godlike, godly jeeoilys = divinity, theology jeeoilagh = divine, theologian jeeaght = deity, divinity jeeaghteyr = theologian
Proto-Brythonic	*duɨw [ˈduɨ̯w] = god
Old Welsh	duiu = god
Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	duiu, duu, dyu, diu, duw = god dwyes, dwywes = goddess, noble lady, queen dywdap, dywdot, duwdab = the divine nature, divinity, theology dywol, duwiol = godly, devout, religious, pious, good, holy, sanctimonious
Welsh (Cymraeg)	duw / Duw [dɨu̯ / dɪu̯] = god, the Supreme Being, the Almighty, the Christian Trinity; O God! duwies, dwywes, dwyes = goddess, noble lady, queen duwdeb = the divine nature, divinity, theology duweiddiad = deification, apotheosis duweiddiaf, duweiddio = to deify, make a god of, turn into an object of worship duwgar = loving God, pious, devout duwiol, duwol = godly, devout, religious, pious, good, holy, sanctimonious
Old Cornish	duy = god
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dew, du, duy = god, God, a divinity dues = goddess
Cornish (Kernewek)	duw [dyˑʊ / diˑʊ] = god duwes = goddess duwonieth = theology duwonydh, duwonydhes = theologian Duw genes = goodbye (“god with you”)
Old Breton	doi = god
Middle Breton	doe, doué, dou = god doueadur = apotheosis, deification doueañ = to deify doueadur = apotheosis, deification doueañ = to deify doueegezh = divinity, deity doueek, doeel, doueel = divine
Breton (Brezhoneg)	doue [du] = god doueez =goddess douead = theist doueadegezh = deism doueegezh = divinity doueel = divine

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *deywós (god), from *dyew- (sky, heaven) [source]. The Deva rivers in Galicia get their name from the same Proto-Celtic root, and the Latin name for the city of Chester, Deva, possibly comes from the same Celtic root [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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, Fockleyreen: Manx – English Dictionary, Online Manx Dictionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Lexicon cornu-britannicum : a dictionary of the ancient Celtic language of Cornwall, Gerlyver Kernewek, Devri : Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis

Small

26th September 20184th July 2025 By Simon

Words for small, little and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	bikkos, biggos, bekkos, beggos = small, little
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bec(c) [ˈbʲeɡ] = small, little becán = little
MIidle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bec, beg = small, little, a small amount becaid = to make small, deplete becaigid, begaigh = to lessen, diminish, reduce becán, begán, beccan = a little, small quantity, a few, a small number, little one, child, humble, lowly one becda = lowly, humble
Irish (Gaeilge)	beag [bʲɔɡ / bʲɞɡ / bʲɛɡ] = little, small, small amount; few beagadán = diminutive person, little one beagaigh = to lesson, diminish beagán = little, a few, a little, somewhat beagchainteach = silent, taciturn beagchéillí = senseless, foolish
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beag [beg] = small, little, wee; minor; petty, puny, trifling; slight beagadh [begəg] = to diminish, lessen, reduce beagachadh [begəxəɣ] = diminishing, lessening, reducing beagag [begag] = small thing, trifle beagan [began] = a little, a few beaganas [beganəs] = slight, snub beagnachd [begnəxg] = parvity, smallness
Manx (Gaelg)	beg = small, short, slight, few, poky, model, narrow, quiet, dwarf beggan = somewhat, slightly, partly, faintly, a few, little, small piece begganid = littleness, smallness, slightness beggid = diminutive, diminutiveness, littleness, paltriness
Proto-Brythonic	*bɨx = small
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hach, bych, bâch, = small, little baches, baçes = darling, little, little woman bachken, bachcen = boy, lad, youngster, servant, son, child bachcennes = young girl, maiden, damsel, lass, wench
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bach [baːχ] = small, little, short; not fully grown or developed, young; insignificant, unimportant, humble; small (business); lower-case (letter); dear, beloved; poor baches = darling, little, little woman bachgen = boy, lad, youngster, servant, son, child bachgennes = young girl, maiden, damsel, lass, wench bachigol = diminutive, small, little bychan [ˈbəχan] = little, small, minute, diminutive; inconspicuous, obscure, unimportant, petty; young inexperienced; little one, young child bychanaf, bychanu = to abase, disparage, disregard, slight, minimize bychander, bychandod = littleness, smallness, scarcity, contempt, pettiness bychanig = very little/small, minute, diminutive, bit, piece bychan bach very little
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bechan, bian, bichan, bihan, bochan, byan, byhan = little, small
Cornish (Kernewek)	byghan [‘bɪhan] = little, small byghanhe = to reduce, make smaller byghanna = smaller
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bihan, byhan = small bihanaat, bihanhat, bihanat = to shrink, diminish bihanaet, bihannaet = decrease bihanded, bihandet, bihandætt = smallness
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bihan = small, insufficient, modest, little bihanaat = diminutive, pet name bihanadur = miniature bihanniver = minority

Etmology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰég-ko-s, from *bʰeg- (to break) +‎ the suffix *-kos [source]. Words for small and little in Romance languages, such as petit in French, pequeno in Portuguese and pequeño in Spanish, possibly come from the same Proto-Celtic root, via the Latin word *pittus (small, little) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*legus = small
Gaulish	lau = small
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lagu, lugu, laigiu = smaller
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lagu = smaller
Irish (Gaeilge)	laghad = smallness, fewness laghadaigh = to lessen, decrease, diminish, reduce laghadaitheach = lessening, decreasing laghadú = decrease, diminuition, reduction laghadúchán = (act of) diminution níos lú = smaller is lú = smallest, least
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lugha = less, least, more or most disagreeable nas lugha = smaller, less, shorter, minimum as lugha = smallest, tiniest, shortest laghad [̪l̪ˠɤɣəd] = smallness, littleness, minority luighead = degree of smallness, littleness laghdaich, lùghdaich = (to) decrease, diminsh, lessen, reduce, decline
Manx (Gaelg)	loo = fewer, least, little(r), minimim (ny) sloo = less, lesser, smaller, shorter by loo = smallest, fewest, less leodagh = decreasing, degrading, dreogatory leodaghey = to decrease, minimize, reduce, diminish
Proto-Brythonic	llaɣw = small, bad llaɣü = smaller
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llaw = small, little, low, mean, weak llei, lley = smaller, less, fewer leyhaf, lleyaf, lleiaf = least, smallest, lowest, fewest leihaa, leihaei, lleihav, leihau = to become smaller or less
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llaw = small, little, low, mean, weak llai [ɬai̯] = smaller, less, fewer lleia(f) = least, smallest, lowest, fewest lleiafrif = minority lleihad = a lessening, decrease, easing lleihadog = belittling, diminutive, derogative lleihau = to become smaller or less, to diminish, to shink, to decrease, to less, to shorten
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	le = less, smaller leia = least, smallest leyhy, lyha = to make smaller, diminish, lessen
Cornish (Kernewek)	le = smaller, less, lesser, fewer, minor lehe = to lessen, extenuate, mitigate, reduce, shrink, zoom out leheans = reduction
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	lau = less, fewer
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	lau = less, fewer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lei = less, fewer leiaat = to decrease, lower, attenuate

Etymology: from *h₁léngʰus (lightweight, easy, nimble), from *h₁lengʷʰ- (to move lightly or effortlessly; lightweight) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include gelingen (to turn out well, go smoothly) in German, light and lever in English, licht (light, easy, mild) in Dutch, and léim (to jump, leap) in Irish [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, Geriafurch, TermOfis

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Proto-Brythonic

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Gods and Goddesses

Small