Quranic root
خصص
kh · ṣ · ṣ
The root centers on a gap, cleft, or opening, and on the separation produced when one thing is set apart from others.
From the sense of an interstice or breach, the root develops toward particularity, distinction, exclusive assignment, and special favor; the same image extends figuratively to poverty as a deficient or weakened condition.
- Maqāyīs · row 1591
- Mufradāt · row 411
- 3
- Quran-attested forms
- 3
- Quran senses
- 4
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
اِخْتَصَّ
āikhtaṣṣa
- Part of speech
- Verb · Form VIII
- Form
- VIII
- 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 single out or specially favor someone, assigning or appropriating a specified thing exclusively to them; to distinguish one from others in this way.
The Quranic construction is اِخْتَصَّ بِـ, with a person singled out by or for a special favor; the attested object is divine mercy, bestowed on whom God wills.
- Lane · entry 19234
- Mufradāt · row 411
Selected Quran examples
Quran 2:105word 18
“chooses”
Quran 3:74word 1
“He chooses”
خَاصَّةٌ
khāṣṣahun
- Part of speech
- Noun · adverbial use
- 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.
Exclusively; specifically or particularly, as opposed to generally.
Used adverbially to mark that a restriction is not confined to the specified group; in the Quranic usage, the warning is not limited to the wrongdoers mentioned.
- Lane · entry 19238
- Mufradāt · row 411
Selected Quran examples
Quran 8:25word 8
“exclusively”
خَصَاصَةٌ
khaṣāṣahun
- 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.
Poverty, need, or straitened circumstances.
The Quranic use describes a state of want or insufficient means, even while giving preference to others.
- Lane · entry 19239
- Mufradāt · row 411
Selected Quran examples
Quran 59:9word 24
“poverty”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
View all 4 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 19 Classical meanings
خَصَّ
To distinguish, favor, or single out someone or something by a quality or allotment; to appropriate it exclusively to a person; or to choose someone as one's exclusive associate.
Transitive constructions commonly use بِـ or لِـ; partiality and preferential treatment are included in this branch.
- Lane · entry 19230
خَصَّ
To give someone something in large quantity or abundantly.
An extended transitive use with بِـ.
- Lane · entry 19230
خَصَّ
To specify, mention, point to, or except someone or something in particular from a larger whole.
Includes constructions meaning to single out by mention and to distinguish or except something from what is general.
- Lane · entry 19230
خَصَّ
To be or become particular, restricted, or exclusive rather than general; to belong or pertain exclusively to someone or something.
An intransitive use, also occurring with expressions meaning that something belongs particularly or exclusively to a person.
- Lane · entry 19230
خَصَّ
To be or become poor or to be in a state of poverty.
A figurative or extended intransitive use.
- Lane · entry 19230
خَصَّصَ
To make something particular, distinct, or special; to particularize it or single it out from what is general.
The derived Form II meaning contrasts with generalization or making something universal.
- Lane · entry 19231
تَخَصَّصَ
To become particular, specialized, or non-general.
A reflexive or quasi-passive development of the act of making something particular.
- Lane · entry 19233
تَخَصَّصَ
To be in an isolated state of pressing want and poverty.
An extended usage describing a peculiar, unshared condition of severe need.
- Lane · entry 19233
خُصٌّ
A booth or hut made of reeds, canes, or branches; also a similar structure or a vintner's shop.
The term is associated with the openings or narrow interstices visible in such a structure.
- Lane · entry 19236
خُصُوصٌ
Particularity, peculiarity, or specialty; particularly or specially.
The noun denotes the state of being particular, while its adverbial use means particularly or specially.
- Lane · entry 19238
خَصَاصَةٌ
An interstice, gap, interval, crevice, or opening; a small hole or perforation.
It may denote intervening spaces or openings in structures, objects, or between adjacent things.
- Lane · entry 19239
خَصَاصَةٌ
A cloud or clouds.
A separate lexical use attested alongside the gap or opening sense.
- Lane · entry 19239
خَصَاصَةٌ
Unsatisfied thirst or hunger.
A figurative extension for the condition of returning from water or food without having had enough.
- Lane · entry 19239
خَاصٌّ
Particular, peculiar, special, or distinct rather than general; by extension, choice or select.
The adjective contrasts with generality and may describe what is selected or set apart.
- Lane · entry 19244
خَاصٌّ
Pure, unmixed, or unadulterated.
A distinct adjectival use describing something free from admixture.
- Lane · entry 19244
خَاصٌّ
As a substantive, a distinguished person or member of the elite.
Used collectively or substantively in contrast with the common people.
- Lane · entry 19244
خَاصٌّ
A specially chosen or intimate friend, companion, associate, attendant, dependent, or servant.
The word may function substantively for a person appropriated or chosen as someone's special associate.
- Lane · entry 19244
خَاصَّةٌ
A peculiar property or characteristic of a thing; technically, a special efficacy or property associated with a known effect.
A technical use for an effective property, whether or not the cause of its effect is known.
- Lane · entry 19245
خُوَيْصَّةٌ
A little or specially chosen friend, companion, attendant, or servant; in idiomatic use, one's particular state or specially appointed end.
The diminutive can convey smallness, affection, or awe; traditional expressions also use it for one's personal condition or individually appointed fate.
- Lane · entry 19247
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
The Quranic Form VIII verb is presented under the normalized perfect citation اِخْتَصَّ, although the supplied Quran occurrences are the imperfect يَخْتَصُّ.
The technical sense of خَاصَّةٌ as a peculiar property or efficacy is identified in the evidence as possibly post-classical.