The Semantic Reading of Unique Lexical Items within the Semantic Field of States and Attributes in Light of the Rhetorical Context of Nahj al-Balaghah

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 الأستاذ المساعد بقسم اللغة العربیة وآدابها، جامعة بوعلی سینا، همدان، إیران

2 المتخرج من جامعة لرستان فی مرحلة ماجیستر فی فرع نهج البلاغة

Abstract

In Nahj al-Balaghah, certain words appear only once in the text; therefore, they can be considered unique lexical items. Some of these words may share meanings with synonyms, yet no synonym can fully replace the unique word in context. This is because the unique word often carries broader connotations and subtler nuances that other words within the same semantic field lack. Such distinctive features become evident especially when the words are employed in rhetorical arrays, where devices like rhyme, metaphor, and metonymy are frequently used.
In this study, we aim to identify and analyze these unique words, focusing on their semantic and literary dimensions. Their meanings are examined through classical dictionaries, exegetical works, and commentaries, while also comparing them with their synonyms to highlight semantic differences. Particular attention is given to the contextual implications of these words, which reveal their unique contribution to the rhetorical and aesthetic texture of the text. To achieve this, we adopt a descriptive-analytical approach, seeking to demonstrate how the use of unique lexical items in Nahj al-Balaghah enriches its semantic depth and literary artistry.

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References

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History

  • Receive Date: 02 January 2024
  • Revise Date: 30 December 2024
  • Accept Date: 18 February 2025

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