llai

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Welsh

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Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ɬai̯/
  • Audio:(file)

Etymology 1

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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

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llai

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

Etymology 2

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

Adjective

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

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

Mutation

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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

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  • 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