Welsh Edit

Alternative forms Edit

Etymology Edit

From Proto-Brythonic *-aɨθ, from Insular Celtic *-axtā, suffixal use of Proto-Celtic *axtā. Cognate with Cornish -ieth.

Pronunciation Edit

Suffix Edit

-iaeth f (plural -iaethau)

  1. Forms abstract nouns.
    arwr (hero) + ‎-iaeth → ‎arwriaeth (heroism)
    deintydd (dentist) + ‎-iaeth → ‎deintyddiaeth (dentistry)
    cydnabod (recognise, acknowledge) + ‎-iaeth → ‎cydnabyddiaeth (recognition, acknowledgement)
    llaw (hand) + ‎trin (to treat) + ‎-iaeth → ‎llawdriniaeth (surgery)
  2. territory controlled by, -ship, -age, -y, -dom
    barwn (baron) + ‎-iaeth → ‎barwniaeth (baronage, barony)

Usage notes Edit

  • With names of leaders, -iaeth can be both concrete and abstract, for instance barwniaeth (baronage, barony) is both the rank of being a baron and the territory controlled by one.
  • Most nouns in -iaeth are feminine. Common exceptions are gwahaniaeth (difference) and lluniaeth (refreshments).

Derived terms Edit

References Edit

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