Quranic root
لحن
l · ḥ · n
The root centers on turning expression away from a straightforward course, yielding faulty speech or indirect, allusive import; a distinct branch denotes acuity in discerning such implications.
The evidence distinguishes deviation in speech, including mispronunciation and oblique allusion, from a separate branch of discernment and intelligence. A related nominal use extends the idea of altered vocal expression to modulation or melody. The Quranic noun represents the allusive-import branch in لَحْنِ الْقَوْلِ.
- Maqāyīs · row 4129
- Mufradāt · row 1296
- 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.
لَحْنٌ
laḥnun
- 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.
The implied import or oblique tenor of speech—the intended meaning conveyed through allusion rather than explicit wording.
In the Quranic construction لَحْنِ الْقَوْلِ, it denotes the indirect or equivocal implications and manner of speech by which an intended meaning is inferred. It is distinct here from faulty speech and from musical modulation.
- Lane · entry 20584
- Mufradāt · row 1296
Selected Quran examples
Quran 47:30word 8
“(the) tone”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 47:30لَحْنِ(the) tone
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 5 Classical meanings
لَحْنٌ
The meaning, intended sense, or purport of speech.
A broad nominal use for what speech conveys, including an intent understood from its wording; the Quranic allusive construction is treated separately as a Quranic sense.
- Lane · entry 20584
لَحَنَ / لَحْنٌ
To depart from correct speech; faulty or barbarous speech, including an incorrect word or utterance.
As a verb, to speak incorrectly; as a noun, a blameworthy deviation from correct Arabic such as defective inflection or mispronunciation.
- Lane · entry 20582
- Lane · entry 20584
- Mufradāt · row 1296
لَحَنَ
To convey a covert or oblique message understood by one addressee but not by others.
A verbal construction involving indirect communication or private intimation.
- Lane · entry 20582
لَحْنٌ
A modulated or melodically shaped sound; a melody.
Especially used of vocal or song-like modulation; plural forms include أَلْحَانٌ and لُحُونٌ.
- Lane · entry 20584
لَحِنٌ / لَاحِنٌ
Discerning the implications of speech; astute, perceptive, or especially capable in argument.
Used adjectivally of one who grasps implied meaning; in comparative usage, of someone more eloquent or skillful in presenting an argument.
- Maqāyīs · row 4129
- Mufradāt · row 1296
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
The Quranic headword is normalized to لَحْنٌ; the supplied occurrence is the genitive form لَحْنِ.
The historical Lane citation attached to the Quranic discussion is not converted into a modern verse location; the example uses the independently supplied QAC location 47:30:8.