Meaning
Resembling or following the pattern of something else.
Cultural Background
Journalists use this phrase to avoid repeating 'mithl' and to sound more authoritative. It is a hallmark of the 'Al Jazeera' style of reporting. In the UAE and Qatar, this phrase is often used to describe new developments that blend modern tech with traditional Islamic patterns. Arab critics use it to link modern writers to the 'Golden Age' of Arabic literature, showing continuity in the language. Many Arab legal codes were written 'ala ghiraar' the French Civil Code (Napoleonic Code), and this phrase is used in law schools to explain these origins.
The News Anchor Secret
If you want to sound like a professional Arabic journalist, use 'على غرار' at least once in every report about a new project or law.
Avoid Physicality
Never use this to say someone looks like their mother. It sounds like they were 'manufactured' using their mother as a template.
Meaning
Resembling or following the pattern of something else.
The News Anchor Secret
If you want to sound like a professional Arabic journalist, use 'على غرار' at least once in every report about a new project or law.
Avoid Physicality
Never use this to say someone looks like their mother. It sounds like they were 'manufactured' using their mother as a template.
The 'Idafa' Rule
Always remember that the word after 'ghiraar' must have a 'kasra' (genitive) because it's a possessive structure.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
بنيت العاصمة الجديدة _______ المدن الذكية العالمية.
In the context of urban planning and modeling, 'على غرار' is the most appropriate formal choice.
Which sentence is correct for a news report?
Choose the best sentence:
This sentence correctly uses the phrase in a formal, organizational context.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Where would you most likely hear 'على غرار'?
The phrase is high-register and formal.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesبنيت العاصمة الجديدة _______ المدن الذكية العالمية.
In the context of urban planning and modeling, 'على غرار' is the most appropriate formal choice.
Choose the best sentence:
This sentence correctly uses the phrase in a formal, organizational context.
Where would you most likely hear 'على غرار'?
The phrase is high-register and formal.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsOnly if you are talking about their professional style or behavior, not their physical appearance.
The root G-R-R is used (like 'ghurur'), but this specific prepositional phrase is a later linguistic development.
In this specific expression, it is always singular. You don't say 'ala ghurur'.
Yes, significantly. 'Mithl' is neutral; 'ala ghiraar' is formal/academic.
Only if you are being ironic or talking about something very formal like a work project.
Related Phrases
على منوال
synonymIn the same manner/loom
تيمناً بـ
similarIn the spirit of / For the blessing of
محاكاة لـ
similarIn imitation of
خلافاً لـ
contrastContrary to
بناءً على
builds onBased on
