Quranic root
ليس
l · y · s
The supplied evidence supports negation as the central orientation: ليس denies a predicate or asserted state.
The form is a defective Form I verb whose ordinary predicate-negation may, by context, refer beyond the present and may also acquire generalized force in constructions meaning that there is no such circumstance.
- Lane · entry 10062
- 1
- Quran-attested forms
- 2
- Quran senses
- 89
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
لَيْسَ
laysa
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form I
- Form
- I
- Quran occurrences
- 89 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.
To be not; to negate a predicate or asserted state.
A defective negative verb, ordinarily used for particular predicate-negation, especially concerning the present state. It governs a nominative subject and an accusative predicate; context can extend the negation to another time, and the verb may also negate a following verbal assertion.
- Lane · entry 10062
Selected Quran examples
Quran 2:177word 1
“It is not”
To negate generally or universally: there is no such thing, circumstance, or liability.
Used in a generalizing negative construction, equivalent in force to لا التبرئة. This includes constructions such as ليس عليكم جناح, in which no blame or liability is asserted.
- Lane · entry 10062
Selected Quran examples
Quran 24:61word 1
“Not is”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
View all 89 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 2 Classical meanings
لَيْسَ
An exceptive particle: except, excluding.
Used in place of إِلَّا. In this construction, the understood subject is nominative and the predicate is accusative; it may also be followed by a pronoun.
- Lane · entry 10062
لَيْسَ
A connective negative particle, equivalent to لا in a coordinated or contrastive statement.
The construction may contain a suppressed predicate, so that ليس links a preceding expression with a negated identification or contrast.
- Lane · entry 10062
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
Classical grammatical analysis records disagreement over whether ليس is a defective verb or a particle; QAC identifies the supplied Quranic occurrences as Verb · Form I.