Quranic root
غوص
gh · w · ṣ
The root centers on plunging into, or attacking, something hidden or below the surface, with the aim of reaching and bringing out what lies within.
The literal sense is descent beneath water; the semantic development extends to penetrating obscure matters and eliciting concealed knowledge, works, or results.
- Maqāyīs · row 3478
- Mufradāt · row 1075
- 2
- Quran-attested forms
- 3
- Quran senses
- 2
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
غَاصَ
ghāṣa
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form I
- Form
- I
- 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 dive into, descend beneath, or enter water and bring out what is within it.
The Quranic imperfect describes divers acting for Solomon; the sense is the literal water-entry and retrieval action.
- Lane · entry 30139
- Mufradāt · row 1075
Selected Quran examples
Quran 21:82word 4
“would dive”
To penetrate an obscure or hidden matter and elicit what is concealed, including unusual works or extraordinary results.
May be used with عَلَى for delving into an affair or its meanings. In the Quranic interpretation of 21:82, the action is not restricted to extracting pearls from water but includes bringing forth strange works and wondrous actions.
- Lane · entry 30139
- Mufradāt · row 1075
Selected Quran examples
Quran 21:82word 4
“would dive”
غَوَّاصٌ
ghawwāṣun
- Part of speech
- Intensive 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 who dives repeatedly or habitually and brings out what is hidden; a practiced diver.
The intensive pattern conveys frequent or characteristic performance. In the Quranic occurrence it denotes a diver among Solomon’s servants, without restricting the object of diving to pearls.
- Lane · entry 30144
- Mufradāt · row 1075
Selected Quran examples
Quran 38:37word 4
“and diver”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
View all 2 occurrencesBroader Classical Arabic meanings
Recorded for this root in the Classical lexicons beyond its Quran usage. These are secondary to the Quran senses above.
Show 9 Classical meanings
غَوْصٌ / غَوْصَةٌ
Diving or descending beneath water; a dive or single act of diving.
As an activity, this can specifically mean diving in the sea to fetch pearls or bringing pearls out from beneath the water.
- Lane · entry 30139
- Lane · entry 30142
غَائِصٌ / غَوَّاصٌ
A diver who repeatedly dives in the sea to fetch pearls or pearl-shells.
This is the specialized maritime and pearl-diving use of the agent noun.
- Lane · entry 30144
غَاصَ عَلَى الشَّيْءِ
To pounce upon, or come suddenly and unexpectedly upon, a thing.
This is a conventional extension of the diving action to sudden attack upon an object.
- Lane · entry 30139
غَوَّصَ
To make someone dive or descend beneath water; to immerse, plunge, dip, or sink someone in it.
Form II is causative or transitive with a person or object made to enter the water.
- Lane · entry 30140
غَائِصٌ
One who pounces upon or comes suddenly and unexpectedly upon a thing.
The corresponding intensive agent form may convey a stronger or more habitual sense.
- Lane · entry 30144
غَاصَةُ الدُّرَرِ
Figuratively, a producer of choice, pearl-like expressions.
Used in an idiom comparing skilled expression-making with diving for pearls.
- Lane · entry 30144
غَائِصٌ
One skilled, crafty, or cunning in arranging the means of obtaining a livelihood.
A figurative characterization of practical artfulness and resourcefulness.
- Lane · entry 30144
مَغَاصٌ
A place where one dives or descends beneath water.
It may specifically denote a place from which pearls are obtained, such as a pearl-diving ground.
- Lane · entry 30145
مَغَاصٌ
The upper part of the ساق, or shank.
A distinct anatomical noun usage.
- Lane · entry 30145