Ufẹ

Yoruba

Etymology

Etymology is unknown, its existence as the first modern Yoruba civilization and kingdom, as well as its role in the Yoruba religion, thus makes it the center of many folk etymologies. From u- +‎ fẹ̀.

• The verb fẹ̀ is associated with several of these folk etymologies. One suggests it is related to the dialectal definition fẹ̀ (“to be successful, to be prosperous”), since Ufẹ̀ was regarded as an extremely successful and prosperous kingdom.
• Possibly relating to the meaning, fẹ̀ (“to widen”), explained by one of the many origin stories of the Ifẹ̀ kingdom.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ū.fɛ̀/
• (Èkìtì, Ifẹ̀) IPA^(key): /ʊ̄.fɛ̀/

Proper noun

Ufẹ̀

1. (historical) the historic Ife Kingdom, regarded as the first major civilization of the Yoruba-speaking people, it was dominant from the 11th century to 16th century AD. It was known for its extensive wealth, cultural and religious heritage, and trade.
2. (chiefly CY) Ifẹ (a city in Nigeria)

   Synonym: Ulé-Ufẹ̀

   Ùláá l'àkọ̀bí Oòduà ké e l'Úfẹ̀ ― The people of Ìlárá-Mọ̀kín are the first born of Oduduwa from Ife (oríkì of the town of Ìlárá-Mọ̀kín)

3. (chiefly CY) Ifẹ̀ subgroup of the Yoruba people
4. (chiefly CY) Ifẹ̀ dialect of Yoruba

Descendants

• → Edo: Uhẹ
• → Arabic: يُوفِي (yūfī)
  • → English: Yufi