Quranic root
لون
l · w · n
The root centers on the distinctive complexion, coloration, or visible character of a thing.
The lexical field extends from visible color and differing appearance to generalized varieties or kinds, and in derived forms to variation in state or disposition. Classical sources also connect a date variety and the noun لِينَةٌ, “palm,” with this root; these are lexical-development notes rather than additional Quranic senses of لَوْن.
- Maqāyīs · row 4258
- Mufradāt · row 1333
- Lane · entry 20765
- Lane · entry 20764
- 1
- Quran-attested forms
- 1
- Quran senses
- 9
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
لَوْن
lawn
- Part of speech
- Noun
- Quran occurrences
- 9 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.
Color or visible hue—the distinguishing appearance of a thing.
In the Quranic plural أَلْوَان, the term can emphasize differing colors and the distinct visible forms or complexions of people and things. This Quranic use concerns coloration and appearance, not the broader Classical extension to kinds or species.
- Lane · entry 20765
- Mufradāt · row 1333
Selected Quran examples
Quran 2:69word 8
“(is) its color”
Quran 30:22word 8
“and your colors”
Quran 35:27word 13
“[their] colors”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 2:69لَوْنُهَا ۚ(is) its color
- 2:69لَّوْنُهَا(in) its color
- 16:13أَلْوَٰنُهُۥٓ ۗcolors
- 16:69أَلْوَٰنُهُۥcolors
- 30:22وَأَلْوَٰنِكُمْ ۚand your colors
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 9 Classical meanings
لَوْنٌ
A distinctive quality or property.
A generalized use of the noun beyond physical coloration.
- Lane · entry 20765
لَوْنٌ
A sort, species, kind, or variety.
The plural أَلْوَانُ الأَطْعِمَةِ denotes kinds or varieties of foods; the same lexical branch can include a kind or variety of dates. This is a broader Classical usage than the Quranic color sense.
- Lane · entry 20765
- Lane · entry 20766
- Maqāyīs · row 4258
لَوْنٌ
Mood, disposition, or character.
A figurative use describing a person's characteristic temperament or character.
- Lane · entry 20765
لَوَّنَ
To become coloured.
Classical Form II usage attested intransitively for something acquiring a color.
- Lane · entry 20763
لَوَّنَ
To vary in speech.
Used with فِي الكَلَامِ for variation in manner or expression of speaking.
- Lane · entry 20763
تَلَوَّنَ
To become coloured, variegated, or diversified in color.
Classical Form V usage describing the acquisition or variation of coloration.
- Lane · entry 20764
تَلَوَّنَ
To vary in state or condition, or to assume various forms or appearances.
A derived-form use for changeability in condition or outward appearance.
- Lane · entry 20764
تَلَوَّنَ
To vary in disposition or become changeable in temperament.
Used of a person whose disposition varies.
- Lane · entry 20764
مُتَلَوِّنٌ
Varying, changeable, or unsteady in disposition.
Active-participial description of a person characterized by instability of temperament.
- Lane · entry 20767
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
All nine Quranic occurrences are nominal. The Form II, Form V, and participial entries are broader Classical Arabic evidence, not additional Quranic form groups.