ysgafn

Welsh

Pronunciation

• (standard, colloquial) IPA^(key): /ˈəsɡavn/, [ˈəskavn]
  • (colloquial) IPA^(key): /ˈəsɡau̯n/, [ˈəskau̯n]

Etymology 1

From Middle Welsh ysgafn, from Proto-Brythonic, from Proto-Celtic *skamos.

Adjective

ysgafn (feminine singular ysgafn, plural ysgeifn, equative ysgafned, comparative ysgafnach, superlative ysgafnaf)

1. light (not heavy)

   Antonym: trwm

2. light-footed, nimble
3. lighthearted
4. mild, gentle, subtle
5. easy

   Synonym: hawdd

Derived terms

• ysgafnder (“lightness; levity”)
• ysgafnhad (“lightening, easing”)
• ysgafnhau (“to lighten”)

Etymology 2

Possibly related to Sanskrit स्कम्भ (skambha), Latin scamnum (“ridge of earth”), from Proto-Indo-European *skabʰ- (“to hold up”).

Noun

ysgafn m or f (plural ysgafnau)

1. mow, stack, rick

Mutation

Welsh mutation
radical	soft	nasal	h-prothesis
ysgafn	unchanged	unchanged	hysgafn
Note: Some of these forms may be hypothetical. Not every possible mutated form of every word actually occurs.

Further reading

• R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke et al., editors (1950–present), “ysgafn”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies