Quranic root
ضنن
ḍ · n · n
The root denotes withholding or being sparing with something, especially something precious or highly valued.
From withholding a prized thing, the lexical development extends to tenacious attachment, specially cherished persons, and related figurative uses; the Quranic ضَنِينٌ applies the idea to withholding revealed knowledge.
- Maqāyīs · row 2953
- Mufradāt · row 880
- Lane · entry 18029
- Lane · entry 18033
- 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.
ضَنِينٌ
ḍanīnun
- 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.
Withholding or miserly with respect to something precious; in the Quranic occurrence, one who does not withhold or conceal what has been revealed of the unseen.
Occurs in the negated construction وَمَا هُوَ عَلَى الْغَيْبِ بِضَنِينٍ, meaning that he is not a tenacious concealer or withholder of revealed knowledge.
- Lane · entry 18032
- Mufradāt · row 880
Selected Quran examples
Quran 81:24word 5
“a withholder”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 81:24بِضَنِينٍۢa withholder
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 11 Classical meanings
ضَنَّ
To be niggardly, stingy, avaricious, or tenacious with respect to something; also to cling tenaciously to something or someone, including not relinquishing an abode.
Construes with بِهِ and may also take عَلَيْهِ or عَنْهُ; the clinging sense is attested in uses involving an abode or reciprocal association.
- Lane · entry 18027
اِضْطَنَّ
To become niggardly, stingy, avaricious, or tenacious.
A Form VIII verb expressing the same withholding or tenacious disposition as ضَنَّ.
- Lane · entry 18028
ضِنٌّ
A thing highly esteemed, to which one is tenaciously attached.
Refers to something valued and specially retained because of its worth.
- Lane · entry 18029
ضِنٌّ
A specially cherished or chosen person, singled out as one's particular friend.
May be applied to a person specially appropriated or preferred from among one's companions; the plural is ضَنَائِنُ.
- Lane · entry 18029
ضِنَّةٌ
Niggardliness, tenaciousness, stinginess, or avarice, especially in a vehement degree.
An abstract noun for the disposition or condition of withholding.
- Lane · entry 18030
ضَنَنٌ
Courage, bravery, or strength of heart.
A distinct adjectival or nominal characterization of courageous disposition.
- Lane · entry 18031
ضَنَانَةٌ
A close, cohesive state in which a group has not dispersed.
An idiomatic figurative use describing a group encountered while it remains gathered together.
- Lane · entry 18033
ضَنَانَةٌ
The fresh or initial state of an affair.
An idiomatic figurative use applied to taking hold of something while it is still fresh.
- Lane · entry 18033
مَضَنَّةٌ
A thing held in high estimation, coveted, and competed for.
Refers to an object of tenacious attachment because of its perceived value.
- Lane · entry 18035
المَضْنُونُ
A name for a compound perfume known as الغالية; the word is also used for a kind of perfume or ben oil.
A specialized lexical name associated with something jealously treasured.
- Lane · entry 18036
المَضْنُونُ
A name for the well Zamzam.
A proper-name usage of the definite form.
- Lane · entry 18036
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
A variant Quranic reading ظَنِينٍ is reported in the lexical discussion; this artifact treats the QAC-attested ضَنِينٍ form at 81:24 as the relevant form.