Quranic root
هزل
h · z · l
The root centers on weakness or lack of solidity, expressed in speech as unseriousness and in the body as leanness.
The evidence presents two related lexical branches: هَزْل as frivolous or unproductive speech, and هُزَال as loss of bodily fullness; the former is metaphorically likened to the latter.
- Maqāyīs · row 4888
- 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.
هَزْلٌ
hazlun
- 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.
Frivolity or unserious, empty speech lacking substantial result or purpose.
In the Quranic expression بِالْهَزْلِ, the term is negated and contrasts with serious, substantial discourse.
- Lane · entry 17103
- Mufradāt · row 1521
Selected Quran examples
Quran 86:14word 3
“(is) for amusement”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 86:14بِٱلْهَزْلِ(is) for amusement
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
هَزَلَ
To jest, joke, or behave without earnestness; to be unserious in speech or in an affair.
Used of speech or conduct that is contrary to earnestness.
- Lane · entry 17103
هَازَلَ
To jest or joke.
- Lane · entry 17104
هُزَالٌ
Leanness, meagreness, or emaciation; the opposite of fatness.
- Lane · entry 17105
هَزِيلٌ
Lean, meagre, or emaciated.
هَزْلَى is cited as its plural form.
- Lane · entry 17106