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Quranic root

شمخ

sh · m · kh

The root centers on elevation and exaltation: physical height or loftiness, and figuratively self-exaltation and pride.

The evidence develops from the height of mountains to proud bearing, while related expressions apply elevation or extension to intentions, deserts, and lineage.

  • Maqāyīs · row 2692
  • Lane · entry 39182
  • Lane · entry 39183
  • Lane · entry 39184
  • Lane · entry 39186
1
Quran-attested forms
1
Quran senses
1
Quran occurrences

Forms in the Quran

The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.

شَامِخٌ

shāmikhun

Part of speech
Adjective
Quran occurrences
1 occurrence

Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.

  1. Lofty; high.

    The Quranic occurrence is the feminine plural adjective شَامِخَاتٍ, describing the lofty mountains mentioned in 77:27. The sense denotes physical elevation.

    • Lane · entry 39186
    • Mufradāt · row 787
    Selected Quran examples

    Quran 77:27word 4

    “lofty”

Occurrences in the Quran

Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.

  • 77:27شَـٰمِخَـٰتٍۢlofty
View all 1 occurrences

Broader Classical Arabic meanings

Recorded for this root in the Classical lexicons beyond its Quran usage. These are secondary to the Quran senses above.

Show 4 Classical meanings

  • شَمَخَ بِأَنْفِهِ؛ شَامِخٌ

    To exalt oneself and be proud or disdainful; of a person, to carry the nose high in pride.

    Used in the construction شَمَخَ بِأَنْفِهِ and also adjectivally of someone proud or disdainful; elevated noses are described in the same branch.

    • Lane · entry 39182
    • Lane · entry 39186
    • Mufradāt · row 787

  • نِيَّةٌ شَمَخٌ

    A distant or far-reaching intention, purpose, or design.

    A conventional description of an intention or purpose that extends far ahead.

    • Lane · entry 39183

  • مَفَازَةٌ شَمُوخٌ

    A far-extending or vast desert, especially a waterless desert.

    Describes a desert in terms of its great extent.

    • Lane · entry 39184

  • نَسَبٌ شَامِخٌ

    A high, distinguished, or proud lineage.

    A figurative use of elevation for lineage.

    • Lane · entry 39186

Cautions

Points that affect how this root should be read.

  • The sole Quran occurrence is the feminine plural form شَامِخَاتٍ; the public headword is normalized to the singular adjective شَامِخٌ.

  • The Quranic evidence attests physical loftiness; the pride, far-reaching, desert, and lineage applications are broader Classical Arabic usages.