vi-

Laefevian

Alternative forms

• viv- (before vowels)
• vim- (before p- and b-)

Etymology

From Proto-Laefevic *bʱi- (female prefix), a prefixed zero-grade form form Proto-Laenkean *bʱaj- (“woman”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /vi-/ [vi-]

Prefix

vi-

1. Used to form nouns indicating or implying the female sex, typically an animal, she-.

   Synonym: vivies

   Antonyms: ho-, hovies

   dant (“wolf”) → viddant (“she-wolf, female wolf”)

   bier (“goat”) → vimbier (“she-goat, female goat, nanny goat, nanny, doe”)

   niv (“dog”) → vinniv (“female dog, bitch”)

   heiþ (“horse”) → vihheiþ (“female horse, mare”)

Usage notes

• The prefix causes gemination of the following consonant if possible, e.g. vi- + dant (“wolf”) → viddant (“she-wolf, female wolf”).
• This prefix is typically used with animals but it can also be used with plants.
• If used with nouns referring to people, the prefixed noun typically becomes derogatory in meaning.

Derived terms

▶ Laefevian terms prefixed with vi-