Quranic root
نمم
n · m · m
The root presents two principal orientations: making something apparent or bringing it out, especially by revealing speech, and forming close-set or variegated marks.
In the speech branch, something concealed is made known through conveyed talk, developing into malicious tale-bearing and calumny. Related evidence also connects the root with whispering or slight movement, detectable signs, and patterned lines or surfaces.
- Maqāyīs · row 4753
- Mufradāt · row 1489
- 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.
نَمِيم
namīm
- 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.
Malicious gossip, tale-bearing, or slanderous speech.
In the Quranic expression بِـنَمِيمٍ, the noun denotes talk conveyed maliciously, with the associated purpose or effect of misrepresentation and discord. Classical evidence also connects نَمِيم with نَمِيمَة and reports that it may be a plural form.
- Mufradāt · row 1489
- Lane · entry 32413
- Lane · entry 32415
Selected Quran examples
Quran 68:11word 3
“with malicious gossip”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 68:11بِنَمِيمٍۢwith malicious gossip
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
نَمَّ
To divulge or convey speech maliciously so as to cause discord; to calumniate, misrepresent, or embellish speech with falsehood.
The verb is used with بِهِ or عَلَيْهِ when speaking maliciously about someone, and may also take conversation as its object.
- Lane · entry 32413
نَمِيمَة
The sound of a bowstring.
- Lane · entry 32415
نَمْنَمَ
To variegate, decorate, or embellish a thing with differing or figured marks.
- Lane · entry 32414
نَمْنَمَة
Closely spaced lines or fine linear ornamentation.
The term is associated with writing in which the lines are brought close together.
- Mufradāt · row 1489
نَمَانِم
The sutures of the skull.
The lines of the sutures are understood as resembling lines of writing.
- Lane · entry 32416
نَمَّام
Wild thyme, Thymus serpyllum.
- Lane · entry 32417
نَامَّة
An artery in the head.
- Lane · entry 32418
مُنَمْنَم
A garment or piece of cloth figured with marks resembling writing or other designs.
- Lane · entry 32419
نُمْنُم
The whiteness appearing on the fingernails.
The corresponding singular form is reported as نُمْنُمَة.
- Maqāyīs · row 4753
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
The Quranic headword نَمِيم is retained as a neutral noun citation form. Classical evidence connects it with نَمِيمَة and reports that it may be a plural of that form, but the packet does not settle the exact number or citation-form relationship.