llai

Welsh

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ɬai̯/
  • Audio(file)

Etymology 1

From Middle Welsh llei (comparative of llaw (“small”)), from Proto-Brythonic *llaɣü (comparative of *llaɣw), from Proto-Celtic *lagyūs (comparative of *legus (“small”)), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁lengʷʰ- (“lightweight”). Cognate with Old Irish laigiu.

Adjective

llai

  1. comparative degree of bach: smaller
  2. less, fewer

Etymology 2

Possibly ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *pelH- (“pale”) and so connected to llwyd (“grey”).

Adjective

llai (feminine singular llai, plural llai, not comparable)

  1. (obsolete) grey, brown, dun, dark red, dark

Mutation
Welsh mutation
radical soft nasal aspirate
llai lai unchanged unchanged
Note: Some of these forms may be hypothetical. Not every possible mutated form of every word actually occurs.

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