laipns

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Latvian

Alternative forms

Etymology

From the same stem as the verb lipt (to stick, to adhere) (q.v.), from which it was derived (with vowel gradation, like laipa (footbridge), and an extra n; compare, without vowel gradation, the dialectal variant lipns). The semantic evolution was probably “sticky, adhesive” > “clingy” > “attentive” > “nice, polite, kind.” Cognates include Lithuanian lipnùs (sticky, adhesive; nice, kind).[1] Ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *leyp-.

Pronunciation

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Adjective

laipns (definite laipnais, comparative laipnāks, superlative vislaipnākais, adverb laipni)

  1. nice, polite, kind, friendly, warm, welcoming (one that treats others with attention, sensitivity, kindness, friendliness)
    laipns jaunietisfriendly, nice young man
    laipna namamātewelcoming hostess
    būt laipnam pret viesiemto be courteous, welcoming to the guests
    esi, esiet tik laipns... — would you be so kind as to... (introducing a polite request)
  2. (such that it expresses or reflects such qualities: attention, politeness, kindness, friendliness...)
    laipns smaidsa kind, warm smile
    runāt laipnā balsīto speak with a kind voice
    laipni vārdikind, welcoming words
    laipna uzņemšanawarm welcome

Declension

Derived terms

References

  1. ^ Karulis, Konstantīns (1992) “laipns”, in Latviešu Etimoloģijas Vārdnīca (in Latvian), Rīga: AVOTS, →ISBN