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rhain. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
rhain, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
rhain in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
rhain you have here. The definition of the word
rhain will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
rhain, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Welsh
Etymology 1
From y + rhai + hyn, literally “these ones”.
Pronunciation
Pronoun
y rhain pl
- these
Mae'r rhain gen i'n barod.- I already have these.
Ydy'r rhain cystal â'r rheina.- Are these as good as those?
Chi'n nabod rhein?- Do you know these (people)?
Usage notes
- In standard Welsh, rhain is preceded by the definite article (y, or 'r after a vowel, due to its etymology.
- In colloquial language, the article is often dropped and the pronunciation may also be altered as regards the inital consonant or middle diphthong (see Pronunciation above), which may be reflected in informal or nonstandard spelling.
- "These" as a determiner in Welsh employs either hyn or yma (See entries for futher details).
Etymology 2
From Middle Welsh rein, from Old Welsh (appearing in Regin (tribe name)), from Proto-Celtic *reginis; cognate to Old Irish rigin.
Pronunciation
Adjective
rhain (feminine singular rhain, plural rhain, not comparable)
- stiff (of a corpse), rigid
References
- R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke et al., editors (1950–present), “rhain”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies