Lisan al-Arab (Ibn Manzur, d. 711H)

The root لوح (lawḥa) primarily relates to broad, flat surfaces, boards, and large bones. It extends to meanings of appearing, becoming visible, shining, and changing color, often due to external factors like heat or light. It also encompasses thirst and dryness.

This root primarily relates to the color white, specifically describing a white bull. It is also used metaphorically to describe the dawn, emphasizing its brightness. The root's etymology is discussed, with some forms showing a shift from a 'w' sound to 'y'.

This root primarily concerns the action of drawing or pulling, especially water from a well using a rope and bucket. It extends to concepts of stretching, extending, and prolonged duration, particularly of time (day or night). It also encompasses meanings related to throwing, striking, and cutting.

This root primarily denotes arrogance, haughtiness, and ostentatious pride, often in a boastful or extravagant manner. It can also describe the action of stirring or agitating something, like a bucket in a well.

This root primarily concerns the concept of something becoming old, worn out, or faded. It also extends to meanings of purity, essence, and in some derived forms, to negative traits like lying or stinginess.

This root primarily concerns the concept of praise, commendation, and positive recognition. It encompasses the act of praising, the state of being praised, and the content of praise, often contrasted with its opposite, defamation or satire. Derived terms also extend to boasting and, metaphorically, to expansion or fullness.

This root primarily describes friction and chafing, particularly between the thighs or buttocks, often leading to soreness or inflammation. It can also extend to describe sweating in animals or a distended or swollen condition.

The root 'مرح' primarily denotes intense joy, exuberance, and liveliness, often to an excessive degree. It extends to meanings of haughtiness, boastfulness, and energetic movement, applicable to both humans and animals. The root also encompasses concepts related to plant growth, the flow of tears, and the preparation of water skins.

This root primarily concerns the concept of jesting, humor, and lightheartedness. It encompasses the act of joking, the state of being humorous, and the qualities associated with someone who is not overly serious or burdensome.

The root مسح (masaha) primarily relates to the act of wiping, stroking, or passing over something. It extends to meanings of an imprint, trace, or mark left behind, as well as concepts of smoothness, gentleness, and even a subtle beauty or nobility. It can also denote a light or swift passing, and in specific contexts, refers to certain types of garments, tools, or even physical attributes.

This root primarily denotes concepts of passing away, disappearing, or becoming worn out and old. It extends to meanings of fading, diminishing, or becoming obsolete, particularly for abstract things like knowledge, colors, or even shadows.

This root primarily concerns the concept of damaging, defaming, or spoiling something, particularly one's honor or reputation. It can also extend to the idea of spreading or scattering, whether referring to animals or sunlight.

The root 'مطح' primarily relates to striking or hitting, particularly with an open hand. It can also be used metaphorically to refer to sexual intercourse.

This root primarily relates to concepts of saltiness, seasoning, and preservation. It extends to meanings of sharpness, wit, and even a type of medicinal application. It also encompasses terms for leaders and specific individuals or tribes.

The root منح (manaḥa) primarily relates to the act of giving, lending, or granting something, often with the implication of temporary use or benefit. It encompasses concepts like lending an animal for its milk or offspring, bestowing gifts, and even granting land for cultivation. The root also extends to metaphorical uses of giving or offering, and has specific applications in the context of the game of Maysir (gambling with arrows).

The root 'ميح' primarily relates to movement, specifically a swaying or strutting gait, and by extension, to drawing water from a well, and to giving or seeking favors. It encompasses concepts of graceful movement, the physical act of drawing water, and the metaphorical act of bestowing or requesting benefits.

This root primarily concerns the sound made by dogs, known as barking. It extends to describe similar vocalizations from other animals like gazelles, goats, and snakes, and is metaphorically used for loud or persistent speech, or even the clamor of a crowd. The root also encompasses related concepts like a group of barking dogs and specific types of shells.

This root primarily concerns the act of exuding or seeping, particularly sweat, but also other liquids like fat or dew. It extends to the idea of extraction or drawing out, and also refers to specific entities like tree resins and a type of bird.

This root primarily concerns success, achievement, and the fulfillment of desires or needs. It extends to concepts of ease, speed, and overcoming obstacles, often in the context of accomplishing a goal or task.

This root primarily concerns the sound of clearing the throat or a guttural sound made in the chest. It is often associated with reluctance, particularly in giving or responding, and can be linked to stinginess or a dry cough.

This root primarily denotes abundance, spaciousness, and breadth. It extends to concepts of ease, ample opportunity, and wide, open spaces, particularly in land and territory. It can also refer to dispersal or spreading out.

This root primarily concerns the concept of distance and remoteness, both geographically and metaphorically. It also extends to the idea of depletion, particularly concerning water in a well, and by extension, the exhaustion of one's resources or patience.

This root primarily relates to the shedding or scattering of dry material, such as the husks of dates or dust. It also extends to concepts of desire or greed, and geographical locations.

This root primarily concerns the act of drinking, specifically a small amount of water, often to quench thirst without full satiation. It extends to the act of giving such a small amount of water to an animal, and metaphorically to taking a small amount of something.

This root primarily concerns sincerity, purity, and genuineness, often in the context of advice or counsel. It extends to concepts of being pure, unadulterated, and free from deceit or corruption. Additionally, it encompasses the act of sewing and the resulting stitched product.

The root 'نطح' primarily concerns the act of butting or goring, especially with horns, as done by rams and similar animals. It extends metaphorically to describe forceful collisions, conflict, and challenging situations, as well as negative omens associated with certain markings or individuals.

This root primarily concerns the process of grain ripening and maturing, specifically when the grain within the ear becomes dense and developed. It also touches upon potential textual corruptions where 'ظ' might be a mistake for 'ض'.

The root نقح (naqaḥa) primarily relates to the act of refining, trimming, or cleaning something by removing extraneous parts. This can apply to physical objects like sticks or bones, as well as abstract concepts like speech or poetry, implying improvement and purification.

The root نكح (nakaha) primarily denotes sexual intercourse and marriage. It encompasses the act of marrying, the act of having sexual relations, and the state of being married. The term can also refer to a person who frequently engages in marriage or divorce, and metaphorically, to things that overcome or dominate.

The root نوح (n-w-ḥ) primarily relates to the act of lamenting, wailing, and mourning, often associated with women gathering for funerals. It extends to metaphorical uses like the cooing of a dove or the howling of a wolf, and also signifies opposition or facing each other, like mountains or winds. The root also includes the proper name of the Prophet Noah.

This root primarily relates to the hardening and strengthening of bones after a period of softness or youth. It also extends to the concept of leaning or inclining, particularly of a branch, and metaphorically to giving or bestowing.

This root primarily denotes scarcity, littleness, and worthlessness, applying to food, possessions, and general things. It also extends to the act of consuming or giving sparingly, and in some contexts, to hardship or reaching one's limit.

This root primarily concerns concepts of appearing, becoming clear, and being evident. It also extends to meanings of refuge, shelter, and concealment, as well as tightness or constriction.

This root primarily concerns sounds, particularly harsh or guttural ones, and vocalizations. It extends to sounds made by animals, humans in distress or cold, and even the sound of objects. It also encompasses terms for strong, energetic individuals and can refer to leaders or prominent figures.

This root primarily relates to concepts of admission, submission, and yielding, often in a context of defeat or subjugation. It also extends to descriptions of physical well-being, specifically the fattening and improvement of livestock, and includes a geographical place name.

This root primarily describes matter that clings to sheep's wool, specifically dung and urine, or general filth around the hindquarters. It extends to describe something insignificant or worthless, and metaphorically to a low or ignoble character. It also has a specific meaning related to chafing or burning in the inner thighs.

This root primarily concerns adornments worn around the shoulders and chest, particularly by women. It extends to the act of wearing such adornments, as well as metaphorical uses related to wrapping, covering, or striking in specific areas.

The root 'waḍaḥa' (وضح) primarily relates to clarity, visibility, and whiteness. It encompasses concepts like the brightness of dawn or the moon, the appearance of white markings on animals, and the act of becoming clear or evident. It also extends to physical whiteness in things like teeth, hair, and even currency.

This root primarily relates to clinging substances like mud or dirt, and secondarily to forceful pushing or crowding. It also includes a place name.

This root primarily concerns the concept of hardness, solidity, and resilience, often applied to physical objects like hooves or structures. It extends metaphorically to describe a person who is hardened in character, specifically in terms of being shameless, impudent, or stoic and enduring.

This root primarily relates to concepts of intensity, harshness, and obstruction. It describes forceful actions, severe conditions, and a state of being blocked or unyielding, whether in physical actions, bodily states, or financial dealings.

This root primarily concerns large bags or containers used for carrying goods, particularly provisions, textiles, or perfumes. It also extends to related concepts of spaciousness and capacity.

This root appears to relate to traces, marks, or openings, particularly in the context of sexual intercourse. It describes the trace left by the sun and the opening of a female's private parts.

This root primarily relates to the concept of agreement, conformity, and following someone's lead. It can also extend to the idea of being in accord with something or someone.

This root primarily concerns expressions of pity, compassion, and sometimes regret or admonishment. It is often contrasted with 'ويل' (woe), with 'ويح' generally implying a softer, more sympathetic tone, while 'ويل' denotes a harsher fate or punishment.