Old Irish edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

Thurneysen assumes a direct derivation from Proto-Indo-European *h₂ewtos. Compare Ancient Greek αὐτός (autós), Gothic 𐌰𐌿𐌸𐌴𐌹𐍃 (auþeis), Old Norse auðr (desolate).

However, in modern times Proto-Celtic *autītos is reconstructed instead.[1]

Pronunciation edit

Noun edit

úathad n

  1. a small number, a few
  2. (grammar) the singular number

Inflection edit

Neuter o-stem
Singular Dual Plural
Nominative úathadN úathadN úathadL, úaite
Vocative úathadN úathadN úathadL, úaite
Accusative úathadN úathadN úathadL, úaite
Genitive úathaidL úathad úathadN
Dative úathadL úaitib úaitib
Initial mutations of a following adjective:
  • H = triggers aspiration
  • L = triggers lenition
  • N = triggers nasalization

Derived terms edit

Descendants edit

  • Irish: uathadh

Mutation edit

Old Irish mutation
Radical Lenition Nasalization
úathad unchanged n-úathad
Note: Some of these forms may be hypothetical. Not every
possible mutated form of every word actually occurs.

References edit

  1. ^ Matasović, Ranko (2009) “*aw-tīto-”, in Etymological Dictionary of Proto-Celtic (Leiden Indo-European Etymological Dictionary Series; 9), Leiden: Brill, →ISBN, page 49

Further reading edit