Focal an Lae #273
The Word of the Day in Irish
Word: gabh (GAHV, GO) [gav, go]
Meaning: gabh = take, seize; go, come
Usage:
- Gabh mo leithscéal. (... muh LEH-shkay-uhl) [... mə l′es′k′eːl] = Excuse me. (lit., take my excuse, my apology)
- Gabh amhrán! (... OH-rawn) [... oːraːn] = Sing a song!
- Gabh anseo! (... uhn-SHOH) [... əns′oː] = Come here!
History: Old Irish “gaibid” (takes) and Gaulish “gabi” (take!) go back to Common Celtic *gabiti,
which comes from Indo-European *ghab(h)-i-ti (gives, takes), from the root *ghabh- (to give or to receive).
Cognates in English include “give” and “gift”.
Scottish Gaelic: gabh