Quranic root
أنس
ʾ · n · s
The root centers on something becoming perceptible and on departure from estrangement or wildness: what appears, is recognized, or is encountered without alienation.
This orientation develops into perception and recognition, human beings as the visible or social counterpart of the jinn, and familiarity, companionship, ease, and sociability. Related derived uses extend to tameness, reassurance, inquiry, and the human-facing or near side of an object.
- Maqāyīs · row 154
- Mufradāt · row 77
- 6
- Quran-attested forms
- 7
- Quran senses
- 97
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
آنَسَ
ʾānasa
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form IV
- Form
- IV
- Quran occurrences
- 5 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
To perceive, notice, or see something present.
In the Qur'an, this is used especially for perceiving a visible sign such as a fire, and may describe becoming aware of something through observation.
- Lane · entry 7319
- Lane · entry 7320
- Mufradāt · row 77
Selected Quran examples
Quran 20:10word 8
“[I] perceived”
To recognize or ascertain a person's condition or quality.
In the construction آنَسْتُمْ مِنْهُمْ رُشْدًا, it means recognizing sound judgment, maturity, or capability in them.
- Lane · entry 7320
- Mufradāt · row 77
Selected Quran examples
Quran 4:6word 8
“you perceive”
اِسْتَأْنَسَ
āistaʾnasa
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form X
- Form
- X
- 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.
To inquire or seek permission before entering, seeking to ascertain whether entry is acceptable.
In the Qur'anic construction تَسْتَأْنِسُوا, the verb is explained as asking permission or inquiring about the occupants' willingness before entering a house.
- Lane · entry 7322
- Mufradāt · row 77
Selected Quran examples
Quran 24:27word 10
“you have asked permission”
إِنْسٌ
ʾinsun
- Part of speech
- Noun
- Quran occurrences
- 18 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
Human beings or humankind, collectively regarded as the counterpart of the jinn.
A collective noun used for humanity, including male and female human beings; the Qur'an frequently contrasts it with الجنّ.
- Lane · entry 7324
- Mufradāt · row 77
Selected Quran examples
Quran 6:128word 9
“the mankind”
Quran 72:6word 5
“mankind”
إِنْسَانٌ
ʾinsānun
- Part of speech
- Noun
- Quran occurrences
- 71 occurrences
Selected examples are shown with the sense they illustrate — chosen to teach that sense, not the complete list of this form’s Quran occurrences.
A human being; a person; humankind in the collective sense.
The noun can refer to an individual or to human beings generally, without restriction to male or female.
- Lane · entry 7324
- Mufradāt · row 77
Selected Quran examples
Quran 17:13word 2
“man”
Quran 100:6word 2
“mankind”
إِنْسِيٌّ
ʾinsiyyun
- Part of speech
- Noun
- 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.
A human being; a person of humankind.
In the Qur'anic expression إِنْسِيًّا, it denotes a human person, in contrast with a nonhuman or supernatural being.
- Lane · entry 7328
- Mufradāt · row 77
Selected Quran examples
Quran 19:26word 18
“(to any) human being”
مُسْتَأْنِسٌ
mustaʾnisun
- Part of speech
- Active participle
- 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.
One lingering in expectation of company or conversation, or seeking to listen.
In the Qur'anic context of guests at a house, the active participle describes remaining or listening in a sociable setting rather than promptly departing.
- Lane · entry 7322
Selected Quran examples
Quran 33:53word 25
“seeking to remain”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 2:60أُنَاسٍۢ(the) people
- 4:6ءَانَسْتُمyou perceive
- 4:28ٱلْإِنسَـٰنُthe mankind
- 6:112ٱلْإِنسِ(from) the mankind
- 6:128ٱلْإِنسِ ۖthe mankind
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 26 Classical meanings
أَنِسَ بِهِ
To become sociable, familiar, friendly, or at ease with someone; to take pleasure in his company.
The verb describes the removal of estrangement or unease in relation to a person or, of a wild animal, becoming tame or domesticated.
- Lane · entry 7316
أَنَّسَ
To make someone familiar or tame.
A causative use of making a person or animal accustomed and no longer wild or fearful.
- Lane · entry 7317
آنَسَ
To make someone at ease, cheer, console, or reassure by one's company or presence.
A transitive relational use, distinct from perceiving or recognizing something.
- Lane · entry 7319
تَأْنِيسٌ
Perception or awareness of something, including seeing it, hearing it, feeling it, or becoming certain of it.
The verbal noun can cover sensory apprehension broadly; its visual, auditory, tactile, and cognitive applications are attested as related extensions of awareness.
- Lane · entry 7320
تَأَنَّسَ
Of a falcon, to look up and raise its head and eyes.
A specialized animal description.
- Lane · entry 7321
اِسْتَأْنَسَ
Of a wild animal, to become aware of the presence or nearness of a human being.
A specialized use concerning an animal sensing human proximity.
- Lane · entry 7322
أُنْسٌ
Sociability, companionship, familiarity, friendliness, cheerfulness, or ease of heart; by extension, a source of comfort or delight.
The usual semantic opposite is estrangement, fear, or loneliness. Some usage specializes the term in familiar or amatory conversation and conduct.
- Lane · entry 7323
إِنْسٌ
A chosen, particular, or intimate friend or companion.
A figurative or idiomatic use distinct from the collective noun for humankind.
- Lane · entry 7324
أَنَسٌ
A numerous company or body of men.
A collective use referring to many people.
- Lane · entry 7326
أَنَسٌ
A tribe, community, or group of inhabitants settled in a place or dwelling.
Used of a people associated with a place of residence or abode.
- Lane · entry 7326
أَنَسٌ
A person with whom someone is sociable or familiar; a familiar associate.
The expression may also describe someone accustomed to serving a particular person.
- Lane · entry 7326
إِنْسِيٌّ
Domestic, tame, or accustomed to human habitation, as opposed to wild.
Used especially of an animal accustomed to houses or people.
- Lane · entry 7328
إِنْسِيٌّ
The side nearest a person, rider, or handler; ordinarily the near or left side of an animal or object.
The terminology is contrasted with وَحْشِيٌّ, the far or outward side. One transmitted authority gives the opposite side, so the directional application is disputed.
- Lane · entry 7328
- Lane · entry 7329
- Lane · entry 7330
- Lane · entry 7331
إِنْسَانُ الْعَيْنِ
The visible image or reflection in the black of the eye; also the pupil or black of the eye.
A specialized anatomical expression, whose plural is أَنَاسِيٌّ rather than أُنَاسٌ.
- Lane · entry 7332
إِنْسَانِيَّةٌ
Human nature or humanity.
An abstract derivative referring to the human condition.
- Lane · entry 7334
أَنُوسٌ
A tame or gentle dog.
A specialized animal noun, contrasted with a fierce or biting dog.
- Lane · entry 7335
أَنِيسٌ
A sociable or friendly companion; a person or thing whose company, conversation, or presence brings cheer or consolation.
The noun may be used of a person or of anything that provides reassuring companionship.
- Lane · entry 7336
الأَنِيسُ
The domestic cock.
A figurative designation.
- Lane · entry 7336
الأَنِيسَةُ
A fire viewed as a cheerful or reassuring companion.
A figurative name for a fire seen at night, especially in an otherwise desolate place.
- Lane · entry 7336
آنَسُ مِنَ الْحُمَّى
A proverbial expression for something that scarcely leaves one: a closer or more constant companion than fever.
An idiomatic comparative expression, not a separate ordinary lexical sense of the root.
- Lane · entry 7337
جَارِيَةٌ آنِسَةٌ
A girl or young woman of cheerful, pleasant, or sociable disposition whose company and conversation are enjoyed.
A specialized feminine description concerning pleasant companionship or discourse.
- Lane · entry 7338
مَأْنَسٌ
Apparently, a place of sociability or an inhabited place of abode.
The source presents this equivalence tentatively, as a place corresponding to مَكَانٌ مَأْنُوسٌ.
- Lane · entry 7339
مُؤْنِسٌ
A traditional name for Thursday.
A figurative or cultural designation associated with going to places of pleasure.
- Lane · entry 7340
الْمُؤْنِسَاتُ
Weapons regarded as sources of reassurance and security against adversaries.
A figurative plural designation for weapons that make their bearer feel safe or confident.
- Lane · entry 7340
مَكَانٌ مَأْنُوسٌ
A familiar or inhabited place of alighting or abode, one in which sociability or human company is found.
The expression is a possessive-style construction for a place characterized by أُنْس.
- Lane · entry 7341
الْمُتَأَنِّسُ
The lion; or an animal that senses prey from afar and examines or looks around for it.
A figurative or specialized animal designation.
- Lane · entry 7343
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
إِنْسٌ and إِنْسَانٌ overlap in their reference to human beings, but they remain distinct Quran-attested lexical forms.
The near-side meaning of إِنْسِيٌّ is supported, but Lane records a contrary directional attribution; the usual near/left-side interpretation is retained with that disagreement noted.
Form X usage varies between inquiry, looking to ascertain information, and asking permission; the Qur'anic construction in 24:27 makes the permission-seeking application explicit.