Quranic root
مكث
m · k · th
The root centers on stopping or staying with waiting and expectation.
From stopping and waiting, the lexical range extends to tarrying in a place, abiding, deliberate lack of haste, and loitering while proceeding.
- Maqāyīs · row 4443
- Mufradāt · row 1381
- Lane · entry 12889
- Lane · entry 12893
- Lane · entry 12894
- 3
- Quran-attested forms
- 3
- Quran senses
- 7
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
مَكَثَ
makatha
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form I
- Form
- I
- Quran occurrences
- 4 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 tarry, stay, or remain, especially while waiting or expecting.
Used of remaining or pausing in a place, including an imperative to stay and a narrative statement that someone remained or stayed.
- Lane · entry 12889
- Mufradāt · row 1381
Selected Quran examples
مُكْثٌ
mukthun
- Part of speech
- Verbal 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.
Tarrying or waiting; a stay or period of remaining.
Verbal noun referring to the act or duration of staying, tarrying, or waiting.
- Lane · entry 12891
- Lane · entry 12889
- Mufradāt · row 1381
Selected Quran examples
Quran 17:106word 7
“intervals”
مَاكِثٌ
mākithun
- Part of speech
- Active participle
- Quran occurrences
- 2 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.
Remaining, staying, or abiding.
Active participle describing one who remains or abides, including continued residence or presence over time.
- Lane · entry 12893
- Mufradāt · row 1381
Selected Quran examples
Quran 18:3word 1
“(They will) abide”
Quran 43:77word 8
“(will) remain”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 13:17فَيَمْكُثُremains
- 17:106مُكْثٍۢintervals
- 18:3مَّـٰكِثِينَ(They will) abide
- 20:10ٱمْكُثُوٓا۟Stay here
- 27:22فَمَكَثَSo he stayed
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 3 Classical meanings
مَكِيثٌ
A grave, deliberate person who is not hasty in his affair.
A personal characterization of unhurried and measured conduct.
- Lane · entry 12893
مَكِيثٌ
Slow in speech.
A figurative extension describing slowness specifically in speaking.
- Lane · entry 12893
مُتَمَكِّثًا
Proceeding or journeying while loitering or delaying.
Describes the manner of proceeding as unhurried and lingering.
- Lane · entry 12894