Quranic root
رأي
r · ʾ · y
A root centered on seeing and perceiving, whether by the eye or by understanding and discernment.
The lexical branches extend from visual perception to mental apprehension, judgment, reciprocal visibility, outward appearance, ostentatious display, and visions in sleep. These developments are related but are not identical meanings of every derived form.
- Maqāyīs · row 1939
- Mufradāt · row 520
- 8
- Quran-attested forms
- 13
- Quran senses
- 328
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
رَأَى
raʾā
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form I
- Form
- I
- Quran occurrences
- 271 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 see or perceive with the eye, or through an analogous means of perception.
Includes ordinary visual perception and expressions in which seeing is attributed analogically to one whose perception is not bodily.
- Lane · entry 22014
- Mufradāt · row 520
Selected Quran examples
Quran 99:7word 6
“will see it”
To suppose, imagine, or envisage something as being the case.
A mental or imaginative apprehension rather than direct physical sight; tense and mood may make the sense hypothetical or prospective.
- Lane · entry 22014
- Mufradāt · row 520
Selected Quran examples
Quran 8:50word 2
“you (could) see”
To discern through reflection or deliberate consideration.
Used when the act of seeing denotes attentive reflection that brings something to perception or understanding.
- Lane · entry 22014
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Selected Quran examples
Quran 8:48word 27
“see”
To mentally perceive, know, or judge something to be so.
With two objects, the construction presents a person or thing as possessing a stated quality; this branch also covers the Quranic use meaning that something has been made known or taught.
- Lane · entry 22014
- Lane · entry 22017
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Selected Quran examples
Quran 4:105word 10
“has shown you”
To consider a matter attentively so as to take warning or draw an admonition.
Especially occurs with إِلَى in the construction أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى, which directs attention toward a case and its significance rather than merely asking about visual sight.
- Lane · entry 22014
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Selected Quran examples
Quran 2:243word 2
“you see”
In أَرَأَيْتَ and related expressions, to call for an account of a matter: “tell me” or “have you considered?”
A conventional attention-arousing construction; the attached ك may function as an allocutive particle, while the verb retains its person and number marking.
- Lane · entry 22014
- Mufradāt · row 520
Selected Quran examples
Quran 6:40word 2
“Have you seen”
رَاءَى
rāʾā
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form III
- Form
- III
- 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.
To act ostentatiously or hypocritically, doing something so that people will see it and think well of the doer.
The action is directed toward being seen by people rather than performed sincerely for God; the Quranic forms are imperfective.
- Lane · entry 22016
Selected Quran examples
Quran 4:142word 13
“showing off”
Quran 107:6word 3
“make show”
أَرَى
ʾarā
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form IV
- Form
- IV
- Quran occurrences
- 40 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 cause someone to see; to show or present something to someone.
A causative construction that may take a person as recipient and a thing or event as what is shown; active, passive, imperative, and imperfective forms occur in the Quran.
- Lane · entry 22017
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Selected Quran examples
تَرَاءَى
tarāʾā
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form VI
- Form
- VI
- 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.
To come into one another's sight; to see one another while approaching and facing each other.
A reciprocal construction in which each party becomes positioned so that the other can see it; it may also describe two groups coming into view of one another.
- Lane · entry 22019
- Mufradāt · row 520
Selected Quran examples
Quran 8:48word 17
“came in sight”
Quran 26:61word 2
“saw each other”
رَأْي
raʾy
- Part of speech
- Noun
- 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.
The sight or visual observation of the eye; what is perceived by direct seeing.
In رأي العين, it marks an assessment made according to visible observation rather than abstract estimation.
- Lane · entry 22014
- Lane · entry 22023
- Mufradāt · row 520
Selected Quran examples
Quran 3:13word 17
“with the sight”
Quran 11:27word 20
“immature in opinion”
رِئْي
riʾy
- 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.
Outward appearance or visible aspect.
Refers to the condition or appearance presented to the eye, including an appearance of goodly condition or apparel.
- Lane · entry 22025
Selected Quran examples
Quran 19:74word 9
“and appearance”
رِئَاء
riʾāʾ
- Part of speech
- Verbal noun
- 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.
Ostentatious display: doing something so that people will see it and think well of the doer.
Denotes displaying an act to people, especially when it is not performed sincerely for God.
- Lane · entry 22016
Selected Quran examples
رُؤْيَا
ruʾyā
- Part of speech
- Noun
- Quran occurrences
- 7 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.
A dream or vision experienced in sleep.
The noun may refer to one dream, a prophetic or significant vision, or visions in the plural.
- Lane · entry 22030
- Mufradāt · row 520
Selected Quran examples
Quran 12:5word 5
“your vision”
Quran 12:43word 20
“my vision”
Quran 17:60word 10
“the vision”
Quran 37:105word 3
“the vision”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 2:55نَرَىwe see
- 2:73وَيُرِيكُمْand shows you
- 2:128وَأَرِنَاAnd show us
- 2:144نَرَىٰWe see
- 2:165يَرَىwould see
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 52 Classical meanings
رَأَى
To see or fancy that one sees a vision in sleep; to dream.
A conventional sleep-related use of the Form I verb, distinct from the Quranic noun رُؤْيَا.
- Lane · entry 22014
رَأْي
An opinion, belief, judgment, or considered view; also the intelligence, foresight, and practical skill behind such a view.
Includes forming or holding an opinion about an affair, law, or doctrine, and by extension counsel or advice.
- Lane · entry 22014
- Lane · entry 22023
لَا تَرَ مَا
Above all, especially.
A fixed idiomatic expression in which omitted elements are understood; it is not an ordinary request to see.
- Lane · entry 22014
رَأَتْ
Of a woman, to notice the slight yellowness, whiteness, or blood associated with menstruation.
A specialized expression concerning signs observed around the time of menstruation.
- Lane · entry 22014
رَأَى
To strike or hurt a person's lungs.
A separate homonymous lexical branch with رِئَة as its object; the passive may describe a complaint of the lungs.
- Lane · entry 22014
رَأَى / رَأْيَة
To stick or fix a banner or standard into the ground; رَأْيَة is a banner or standard.
The nominal is commonly pronounced رَايَة after omission of the hamza.
- Lane · entry 22014
- Lane · entry 22028
رَأَى الزَّنْدَ
Of a fire-stick, to become kindled; transitively, to kindle it.
A specialized use referring to the ignition of a piece of wood used for producing fire.
- Lane · entry 22014
رَأَّى
To hold, present, or reserve a mirror for someone so that he may look at or see himself in it.
The object is the mirror and the beneficiary is the person enabled to look.
- Lane · entry 22015
رَاءَى
To face someone or something so as to see it.
A spatial construction distinct from the Quranic ethical sense of acting for display.
- Lane · entry 22016
رَاءَى
To think or judge someone to possess a stated quality.
Attested in a poetic construction where the person is judged to be chaste; the accompanying context supplies the particular example, not a general restriction.
- Lane · entry 22016
رَاءَى
To consult someone or ask his counsel or advice.
May be followed by فِي concerning the matter on which advice is sought.
- Lane · entry 22016
أَرَى اللهُ بِفُلَانٍ
To show people punishment, destruction, or a fate that causes an enemy to rejoice, through the example of someone.
This specialized expression is said only in relation to an evil outcome.
- Lane · entry 22017
أَرِنِي
To give or hand something to someone.
A specialized imperative use in which the requested object is handed over, rather than displayed.
- Lane · entry 22017
أَرَى
To make someone know or understand that another person or thing possesses a stated quality.
In this extended causative construction the verb may take three objective complements.
- Lane · entry 22017
أَرْأَى
To look at oneself in a mirror, in a sword, or in water.
An intransitive use referring to looking at one's face or reflection.
- Lane · entry 22017
أَرْأَى
To have many dreams.
A specialized Form IV lexical use.
- Lane · entry 22017
يُرْئِي بِعَيْنَيْهِ
To move the eyelids or make much motion with the eyes while looking.
A specialized description of conspicuous or repeated eye movement.
- Lane · entry 22017
أَرْأَى
To act well or righteously in order that others may see and hear of the act.
This Classical specialization concerns performing for public notice; it is distinct from the Quranic Form III headword.
- Lane · entry 22017
أَرْأَى
To possess or acquire intelligence, judgment, and foresight.
A specialized lexical use describing practical discernment or competence.
- Lane · entry 22017
أَرْأَى
To bear on the face an indication of foolishness or stupidity.
The source records this as a specialized and potentially contrasting use requiring lexical caution.
- Lane · entry 22017
أَرْأَى
To have a رَئِيّ, a jinni companion or follower associated with the person.
A specialized supernatural usage involving a jinni who presents himself or accompanies someone.
- Lane · entry 22017
أَرْأَى
To follow the opinion or legal view of another.
A specialized use concerning adherence to another person's legal judgment.
- Lane · entry 22017
أَرْأَتْ
Of a female animal or woman, to show by the udder or bodily signs that she is pregnant.
Used of a pregnant female whose condition has become evident; the source includes several animal and human applications.
- Lane · entry 22017
أَرْأَى
Of a camel, to have the muzzle naturally bent back or thin in the throatward direction.
A rare anatomical description of a camel's muzzle.
- Lane · entry 22017
تَرَاءَى
To present oneself to another's sight, or for another to see one.
A nonreciprocal presentation construction with لِ or لَهُ; it is distinct from the Quranic reciprocal construction.
- Lane · entry 22019
تَرَاءَى
Of palm-trees, to show the colors of their unripe dates.
A specialized intransitive use concerning the visible appearance of palms.
- Lane · entry 22019
تَرَاءَى
To test or jointly attempt to see the new moon.
Describes people directing their sight toward the moon in order to determine whether it can be seen.
- Lane · entry 22019
يَتَرَاءَى بِرَأْيِ
To adopt, incline toward, and conform to another person's opinion or belief.
A reflexive construction concerning adherence to a view.
- Lane · entry 22019
اِرْتَأَى
To inspect, reflect on, consider, and deliberately decide about an affair.
May also mean to see with the eye or mind, but the specialized branch emphasizes deliberate examination and considered action.
- Lane · entry 22020
اِسْتَرْأَى
To call for, demand, or require the seeing of a thing.
A Form X request or demand for something to be shown or seen.
- Lane · entry 22021
يُسْتَرْأَى
To be counted, esteemed, or regarded as hypocritical or ostentatious.
A passive evaluative use derived from the branch of ostentatious display.
- Lane · entry 22021
رُؤْى / رُؤْيًا / رَأْيًا
In a reported expression, darkness so confused that people could not see one another.
A rare expression preserved as a lexicalized description of loss of mutual visibility.
- Lane · entry 22024
رَأْوَة
An indication or visible sign of a thing, including an indication of foolishness or ugliness in the face.
The sign may reveal an otherwise hidden condition.
- Lane · entry 22027
رُؤْيَة
Sight or perception, by the eye and, in some usage, by the mind.
A verbal noun and substantive for the act or faculty of seeing; this entry also records the visual appearance of the moon at its first visibility.
- Lane · entry 22029
رُؤْيَة
The visible first appearance, or phasis, of the moon.
A specialized astronomical or calendrical use of the noun.
- Lane · entry 22029
رِئَاء
In spatial expressions, facing or standing opposite one another; within sight or as far as the eye reaches; by extension, as many as can be seen.
This is a Classical spatial branch of the form and is distinct from Quranic رِئَاء meaning ostentatious display.
- Lane · entry 22032
رَئِيّ
A jinni that presents itself to a person, teaches or practices divination, or acts as a follower or companion.
The sources report several closely related descriptions of the supernatural companion.
- Lane · entry 22033
رَئِيّ
A great serpent said to present itself to a person's sight.
A specialized traditional identification, sometimes explained through the notion of a transformed jinni.
- Lane · entry 22033
رَئِيّ
A garment or piece of cloth spread out for sale.
A separate nominal use.
- Lane · entry 22033
رَأَّاء
A person who sees much.
An intensive nominal description based on repeated or abundant seeing.
- Lane · entry 22037
رَاءٍ
Seeing; one who sees.
The active participle of the basic seeing verb.
- Lane · entry 22038
رَاءٍ
Still or motionless.
A separate homonymous lexical use.
- Lane · entry 22038
أَرْأَى
More or most apt, suitable, competent, proper, or worthy for a thing.
Used in comparative or superlative expressions of fitness or suitability.
- Lane · entry 22039
تَرْئِيَة
Beauty or goodliness, especially beauty of aspect.
A substantive use distinct from the verbal noun of Form II.
- Lane · entry 22040
تَرْئِيَة / تَرِيَّة
A slight yellowness, whiteness, or blood observed around menstruation; in some usage, the cloth used to detect it.
A specialized gynecological term derived from observing the sign of menstruation.
- Lane · entry 22040
تِرْئِيَة
A person who practices evasions, shifts, wiles, or artifices.
A specialized nominal description of someone skilled in evasive devices.
- Lane · entry 22041
مَرْأًى وَمَسْمَع
Within one's sight and hearing; in a position where someone can be seen and heard.
A fixed adverbial expression describing accessibility to both sight and hearing.
- Lane · entry 22042
مُرْأًى
Of a camel's head, long in the muzzle and bent downward in a characteristic form.
A rare anatomical description of a camel's head.
- Lane · entry 22043
مُرْىء
Of a female animal or woman, showing by the udder that she is pregnant.
A participial adjective for the condition described under أَرْأَتْ.
- Lane · entry 22044
مَرْآة
Apt, suitable, competent, or worthy for a thing or action.
Used with a preposition or an infinitival construction to express fitness.
- Lane · entry 22045
مِرْآة
A mirror.
A concrete noun for an object in which the forms of things are seen.
- Lane · entry 22046
مُرَاء
A hypocrite or ostentatious person.
An active participial noun derived from the branch of ostentatious display.
- Lane · entry 22047
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
Lane's printed Quran citations use historical conventions and are not treated as modern verse locations unless the corresponding QAC location independently identifies the passage.
Several homographic branches concern the lungs, banners, mirrors, appearance, pregnancy signs, and ostentation; they are kept separate from the Quranic Form I seeing branch unless the lexical evidence explicitly connects the use.
The Quranic form group for رأَى is authoritative for identifying inflected forms such as أَرَاكَ; related causative interpretations are therefore assigned to the QAC form group in which the occurrence is classified.