nerth

Cornish

Etymology

From Middle Cornish nerth, from Proto-Brythonic *nerθ, from Proto-Celtic *nertom, from Proto-Indo-European *h₂ner-to- (virile, strong), a derivative of *h₂nḗr (man; vital energy). Cognate with Breton nerzh, Welsh nerth and Irish neart.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /nɛrθ/

Noun

nerth m (plural nerthow or nerthyow)

  1. force
  2. energy
  3. power
  4. strength

Welsh

Etymology

From Middle Welsh nerth, from Old Welsh nerth, from Proto-Brythonic *nerθ, from Proto-Celtic *nertom, from Proto-Indo-European *h₂ner-to- (virile, strong), a derivative of *h₂nḗr (man; vital energy). Cognate with Breton nerzh, Cornish nerth and Irish neart.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /nɛrθ/
  • Rhymes: -ɛrθ

Noun

nerth m (plural nerthoedd, not mutable)

  1. strength, power, force
    Synonyms: grym, cadernid, cryfder

Derived terms

  • dinerth (weak, enervated)
  • nerthol (strong, mighty)
  • nerthu (to strengthen)

Further reading

  • D. G. Lewis, N. Lewis, editors (2005–present), “nerth”, in Gweiadur: the Welsh–English Dictionary, Gwerin
  • R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke et al., editors (1950–present), “nerth”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies