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