Welsh edit

Etymology edit

Matasovic tentatively links the word to Proto-Indo-European *swer- (to sound), whence also chwerthin (to laugh). Cognate with Breton huernus (ill-tempered, cross).

This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.
Particularly: “Alternative etymologies: maybe a derivative of Proto-Indo-European *swer- (to ache, fester), with semantic shift "ache" > "harsh" > "rapid, fierce"? Alternatively, borrowed from Latin ferus (wild, fierce)?”

Pronunciation edit

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Adjective edit

chwyrn (feminine singular chwern, plural chwyrn, equative chwyrned, comparative chwyrnach, superlative chwyrnaf, not mutable)

  1. rapid, fast, swift, whirling, lively, vigorous
  2. fierce, violent, roaring
  3. stern, harsh, severe

Derived terms edit

Mutation edit

Welsh mutation
radical soft nasal aspirate
chwyrn unchanged unchanged unchanged

References edit

  • R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke et al., editors (1950–present), “chwyrn”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies
  • Matasović, Ranko (2009) Etymological Dictionary of Proto-Celtic (Leiden Indo-European Etymological Dictionary Series; 9), Leiden: Brill, →ISBN, page 361