Quranic root
نكف
n · k · f
The root presents two lexical axes: cutting away or turning aside, and a distinct anatomical term for a gland at the root of the jaw. The sense of proud aversion develops from the idea of turning away.
The range includes removing or wiping away, something not cut off or drained, and shifting from one place or course to another. From this turning-away imagery come abstention and proud aversion; the related expression انتكف الأثر means to find a trace.
- Maqāyīs · row 4750
- Mufradāt · row 1487
- 1
- Quran-attested forms
- 1
- Quran senses
- 3
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
اِسْتَنْكَفَ
āistankafa
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form X
- Form
- X
- Quran occurrences
- 3 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 disdain or scorn something; to shrink from it with proud aversion or shame.
It governs مِنْ for the thing disdained and may be followed by أن plus an imperfect verb for an action regarded with disdain, as in refusing to be a servant of God.
- Lane · entry 32402
- Mufradāt · row 1487
Selected Quran examples
Quran 4:172word 2
“will disdain”
Quran 4:173word 13
“disdained”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
View all 3 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 7 Classical meanings
نَكَفَ
To remove or turn something aside; specifically, to wipe tears from the cheek with a finger.
The verbal noun النَّكْف is used for the act of wiping tears or removing them from the cheek.
- Maqāyīs · row 4750
- Mufradāt · row 1487
لَا يُنْكَفُ
To be uncut off, undrained, or inexhaustible, said of abundant rain or a sea.
A passive construction describing something that cannot be cut off or drained.
- Maqāyīs · row 4750
- Mufradāt · row 1487
الانْتِكَافُ
Moving away from one land to another, or shifting from one matter or course to another.
A verbal noun for departure or change away from an initial place or course.
- Maqāyīs · row 4750
- Mufradāt · row 1487
انْتَكَفَ
To find or come upon a trace.
Used in the expression انتكف الأثر, ‘he found the trace.’
- Maqāyīs · row 4750
نَكِفَ
To abstain from or refuse to do something out of disdain and pride.
Form I, used with مِنْ to introduce the thing or action avoided.
- Lane · entry 32400
تَنَكَّفَ
To wait, linger, or delay at a place.
Used with بِـ and a place or location.
- Lane · entry 32401
النَّكَفُ
A collective term for نَكَفَةٌ, a gland at the root of the jaw.
An anatomical noun; of camels, the corresponding glands may be described as appearing or protruding.
- Maqāyīs · row 4750
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
All three Quranic occurrences are active Form X verbs; differences such as “will disdain,” “disdains,” and “disdained” reflect grammatical context rather than separate lexical senses.