Quranic root
خطو
kh · ṭ · w
The root centers on stepping and on the step or interval made by the feet, with related extensions to following a course and passing over or beyond something.
The concrete act of stepping yields nouns for a single step and for the space between the feet; derived forms extend this domain to causing something to pass over, stepping over or beyond, and figurative passing-by or overlooking.
- Lane · entry 19586
- Lane · entry 19591
- Lane · entry 19592
- Mufradāt · row 421
- 1
- Quran-attested forms
- 2
- Quran senses
- 5
- Quran occurrences
Forms in the Quran
The forms this root actually takes in the Quran. Select one to jump to its senses and examples.
خُطْوَةٌ
khuṭwahun
- Part of speech
- Noun
- Quran occurrences
- 5 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 step or footstep, literally the interval or movement made between the feet.
The Quranic form is the plural خُطُوَات. In the construction خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ, it presents the literal image of successive footsteps.
- Lane · entry 19592
- Mufradāt · row 421
Selected Quran examples
Quran 2:168word 11
“(the) footsteps (of)”
Quran 2:208word 10
“footsteps”
Quran 24:21word 6
“(the) footsteps”
The steps, ways, or course of an agent, especially the course of Satan that a person is warned not to follow.
This figurative interpretation is attested in the Quranic construction خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ: following the steps means following Satan’s way or obeying his prompting.
- Lane · entry 19592
- Mufradāt · row 421
Selected Quran examples
Quran 2:168word 11
“(the) footsteps (of)”
Quran 2:208word 10
“footsteps”
Quran 24:21word 6
“(the) footsteps”
Occurrences in the Quran
Every place this root appears, in Quran order. The first few are shown here.
- 2:168خُطُوَٰتِ(the) footsteps (of)
- 2:208خُطُوَٰتِfootsteps
- 6:142خُطُوَٰتِ(the) footsteps
- 24:21خُطُوَٰتِ(the) footsteps
- 24:21خُطُوَٰتِ(the) footsteps
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 7 Classical meanings
خَطَا
To step, pace, or walk.
A basic Form I verb of movement; it may be used of a person or a beast.
- Lane · entry 19586
خَطَّى
To cause something to pass over or miss; to make an arrow miss its mark, or to have evil pass away from someone.
The causative use covers making an object pass over a target and the conventional expression of averting or repelling evil.
- Lane · entry 19587
أَخْطَى
To make another person step, pace, or walk.
A Form IV causative construction with a person as its object.
- Lane · entry 19588
تَخَطَّى
To step over or pass over and beyond a person, thing, place, or prescribed limit.
The form may describe going over people or their necks, passing beyond something, or overstepping a limit.
- Lane · entry 19589
تَخَطَّى
Figuratively, to pass someone by or overlook someone; also, to pass over others to reach someone with harm.
Used of something disliked or harmful that does not befall a person, of passing over others to reach a particular person, and of sight that overlooks someone.
- Lane · entry 19589
خَطْوَةٌ
A single step, pace, or act of stepping.
This فتح-vowel noun denotes one act of stepping or walking.
- Lane · entry 19591
خُطْوَةٌ
A small interval or difference between two statements.
A figurative extension of the physical distance between the feet.
- Lane · entry 19592
Cautions
Points that affect how this root should be read.
The QAC group is attested only as the plural خُطُوَات; the public headword is its supported singular citation form خُطْوَةٌ. Variant vocalizations mentioned in the lexical discussion are not treated as additional QAC forms.
Unassigned or ambiguous evidence
lane-unit:xTw:19594:g1:main quotes نَاقَتُكَ هٰذِهِ مِنَ المُتَخَطِّيَاتِ الجيف, with an alternative reading المُتَخَطِّئَاتِ الجيف, but refers the explanation to the separate خطأ discussion, which is not supplied.