This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
Arabic
Vocabulary
بديهية

B2 noun #6,500 most common 13 min read

بديهية

badeehiyyah Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips بديهية in 30 Seconds

Explanation بديهية in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'بديهية' (Badihiya) is quite advanced, but you can think of it as a way to say 'of course' or 'it is very clear.' Imagine you are saying something that everyone knows, like 'The sun is hot.' In English, we might say 'That's obvious!' In Arabic, as you get better, you will use this word to describe those 'obvious' things. For now, just remember that it means something so simple and true that nobody needs to explain it. It is a big word for a simple idea: a truth that is clear to everyone. You won't use it much in basic greetings, but you might see it in simple books about science or logic. Just think of it as the 'Super Clear' word.

At the A2 level, you are starting to build more complex sentences. 'بديهية' is a noun that describes a 'self-evident truth.' You can use it to talk about basic facts. For example, if you are talking about health, you could say 'It is a badihiya that we need water.' This sounds more professional than just saying 'Water is important.' At this level, you should focus on the phrase 'هذا شيء بديهي' (This is a self-evident thing). This will help you express that you understand a basic fact. It is a good word to learn because it appears in news headlines and educational videos that you might start watching to improve your listening skills. It helps you recognize when a speaker is moving from a simple fact to a more difficult opinion.

At the B1 level, you can begin to use 'بديهية' in your writing and speaking to sound more persuasive. When you are giving a presentation or writing a short essay, you can use the word to establish your 'starting points.' For example, 'Min al-badahiyyat' (It is among the self-evident truths) is a great way to start a paragraph. It tells your reader, 'Look, we all agree on this basic point, so now let's look at the harder stuff.' You are also learning to distinguish between different types of truths. A 'Haqiqa' is a fact you might find in a book, but a 'Badihiya' is a truth that your brain just knows is right. Using this word correctly shows you are moving beyond basic communication and into the world of logic and reasoning.

At the B2 level, which is the target level for this word, you should have a firm grasp of 'بديهية' as a technical term in logic and mathematics, as well as its rhetorical use in media. You should be able to use the plural 'بديهيات' (axioms) when discussing scientific theories or philosophical ideas. You should also understand the connection to the root (ب-د-ه) and the related word 'Badiha' (intuition). At this level, you should be able to argue whether a statement is truly a 'badihiya' or if it is just a common belief. For instance, in a debate about society, you might say, 'Is it a badihiya that competition is good, or is that just an economic theory?' This level of nuance is exactly what B2 learners should strive for—using academic vocabulary to question and analyze ideas.

At the C1 level, 'بديهية' becomes a tool for sophisticated stylistic expression. You will encounter it in classical texts, modern literature, and high-level political discourse. You should be comfortable using it to discuss the 'Axiomatic' foundations of various schools of thought (e.g., the axioms of Mu'tazilite theology vs. Ash'arite theology). You will also notice how authors use the word to create a sense of 'intellectual necessity.' At this level, you should be able to use the word ironically or to critique an opponent's argument by claiming their 'axioms' are actually flawed assumptions. Your understanding of the word should include its historical weight in the 'Ilm al-Kalam' (Islamic scholastic theology) tradition, where the nature of self-evident knowledge was a major topic of debate.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'بديهية' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You understand the deepest philosophical implications of 'Al-Badahiyyat' as the 'Primary Intellections' that precede all discursive thought. You can engage in complex discussions about epistemology—how we know what we know—and use 'بديهية' to define the limits of human reason. You are aware of the subtle differences between this word and its synonyms like 'Awwaliyya,' 'Daruriyya,' and 'Musallama' in various technical fields like law, logic, and mathematics. In your own writing, you use the word with precision and elegance, using it to anchor complex philosophical arguments or to dissect the underlying 'axioms' of modern global ideologies.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

بديهية in 30 Seconds

A 'badahiya' is a self-evident truth or axiom that requires no proof, serving as a fundamental starting point for all logical reasoning and debate.
Commonly used in academic, mathematical, and political contexts to describe facts that are considered indisputable and obvious to any rational observer or participant.
The word stems from a root meaning 'suddenness,' reflecting how these truths strike the mind immediately and clearly without the need for complex thought.
Mastering this word allows learners to anchor their arguments in solid, foundational principles, a key skill for professional and advanced academic Arabic communication.

The Arabic word بديهية (Badihiya) is a profound intellectual term that translates most accurately to 'axiom' or 'self-evident truth.' In the landscape of Arabic logic and philosophy, it represents a concept that is so fundamentally clear that it requires no external proof or demonstration to be accepted as true. When you encounter this word, you are dealing with the bedrock of reasoning—the starting points from which all other logical structures are built. It is not merely a 'fact,' which might require empirical evidence, but rather an 'intuitive certainty' that the mind grasps immediately upon understanding the terms involved. For instance, the statement that 'the whole is greater than the part' is a classic badihiya. It is a truth that the human intellect recognizes instantly without needing a laboratory experiment or a mathematical derivation.

Philosophical Origin: Derived from the root (ب-د-ه), which relates to suddenness or things that occur to the mind immediately. In classical Arabic philosophy (Ilm al-Kalam and Falsafa), it refers to primary cognitions (al-awwaliyyat) that are innate to human reason.
Mathematical Context: In geometry and algebra, a badihiya is an axiom. It is a proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of logic. Without these self-evident truths, the entire structure of mathematical proof would collapse into an infinite regress.
Everyday Rhetoric: In modern conversational Arabic, the word is often used to describe something that should be 'obvious' or 'common sense.' If someone states a fact that is widely known and requires no debate, a listener might respond by saying it is a badihiya to shut down unnecessary complexity.

إن وجود الخالق عند الكثيرين هو بديهية إيمانية لا تحتاج إلى جدل منطقي مطول.

Translation: The existence of the Creator is, for many, a self-evident truth of faith that does not require lengthy logical debate.

Understanding the nuance of this word requires distinguishing it from 'Haqiqa' (truth). While all badihiya are truths, not all truths are badihiya. A scientific discovery about the composition of a distant star is a 'Haqiqa,' but it is not a badihiya because it required telescopes, calculations, and years of research. Conversely, the fact that you exist while you are thinking is a badihiya. It is immediate. This distinction is crucial for students of Arabic who wish to engage in higher-level discourse, academic writing, or theological studies. The word carries a weight of authority; calling something a badihiya is a way of saying, 'This is an indisputable pillar of my argument.'

من البديهيات أن العلم يرفع من شأن الأمم.

Translation: It is among the self-evident truths that knowledge raises the status of nations.

In the context of the root (ب د ه), we also find the word 'Badiha' (بديهة), which means intuition or presence of mind. A person with 'Sur'at al-Badiha' (سرعة البديهة) is someone who is quick-witted and can respond to situations instantly. This linguistic connection reinforces the idea that a badihiya is something that hits the mind 'suddenly' and 'clearly' without the mediation of complex thought processes. It is the 'flash' of recognition that something is undeniably true. In modern legal and human rights contexts, writers often refer to 'Badahiyyat al-Huquq' (the self-evidence of rights) to argue that certain freedoms are innate and do not need to be granted by a government, but rather recognized as fundamental axioms of human existence.

Using the word بديهية correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun that often functions as a predicate or a subject in nominal sentences. Because it describes a quality of a statement or a concept, it is frequently paired with 'min' (from) to create the common expression 'min al-badahiyyat' (it is among the self-evident things). This construction is a staple of Arabic rhetoric, allowing a speaker to introduce a foundational point before building a more complex argument. It frames the following statement as something that no reasonable person would disagree with, thereby establishing a common ground with the audience.

As a Subject: Example: 'هذه البديهية هي أساس فلسفتي' (This axiom is the foundation of my philosophy). Here, the word acts as the anchor of the sentence, identifying the specific truth being discussed.
In the Plural: The plural 'بديهيات' (Badahiyyat) is used when referring to a set of principles. For example, 'بديهيات الهندسة' (the axioms of geometry). This is common in scientific and academic writing.
As an Adjective-like Noun: Sometimes used to describe a fact: 'حقيقة بديهية' (a self-evident truth). In this case, it functions as an adjective modifying the noun 'Haqiqa'.

لا يمكننا بناء نظرية علمية دون الانطلاق من بديهيات واضحة.

Translation: We cannot build a scientific theory without starting from clear axioms.

When writing in a formal register, such as an essay for a university or a legal brief, badihiya is the perfect word to use when you want to appeal to logic. It suggests that the point you are making is not a matter of opinion, but a matter of fundamental reasoning. For example, if you are writing about the environment, you might say, 'It is a badihiya that water is essential for life.' This sounds much more authoritative and sophisticated than simply saying 'water is important.' It places your statement in the realm of universal laws. Furthermore, the word can be used ironically in informal settings to point out that someone is stating the obvious, though this requires a specific tone of voice to avoid being overly academic.

أصبح من البديهي اليوم أن التكنولوجيا غيرت وجه العالم.

Translation: It has become self-evident today that technology has changed the face of the world.

In advanced literature, you might see the word used to debate the nature of knowledge itself. Philosophers often ask: 'Is this truly a badihiya, or is it a social construct we have simply accepted?' This level of usage shows the word's flexibility. It can move from the rigid world of Euclidean geometry to the fluid world of sociological debate. For a student, mastering this word means being able to navigate these different domains. Whether you are discussing the 'axioms' of a political ideology or the 'self-evident' nature of a human emotion, badihiya provides the linguistic precision needed to describe the starting points of human thought. Always remember to use the definite article 'Al-' (الـ) when referring to 'the self-evident truth' in a general sense.

While بديهية might sound like a word reserved for dusty philosophy books, it is surprisingly active in modern Arabic media and intellectual life. You will hear it most frequently in news talk shows, where analysts use it to frame their arguments. For example, an economic analyst might say, 'It is a badihiya that inflation affects the poor more than the rich.' In this context, the word serves as a rhetorical tool to gain the audience's agreement before moving into more controversial territory. It is also a staple in the world of education. Teachers in math and science classes throughout the Arab world use 'badahiyyat' to refer to the fundamental rules that students must memorize and understand before they can solve complex problems.

News & Media: On channels like Al Jazeera or Al Arabiya, you will hear presenters use 'min al-badahiyyat' to describe political realities that are considered 'given' or 'understood' by all parties involved in a conflict.
Legal Settings: Lawyers use the term to refer to legal maxims—principles of law that are so established they do not require proof in every individual case, such as 'innocent until proven guilty.'
Academic Lectures: In university settings, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, professors use the word to critique established norms or to define the parameters of a study.

سمعتُ المحلل يقول إن احترام السيادة الوطنية هو بديهية في العلاقات الدولية.

Translation: I heard the analyst say that respecting national sovereignty is an axiom in international relations.

Another interesting place you will encounter this word is in the titles of books and articles. Many Arabic thinkers have written works titled 'Badahiyyat' followed by a subject (e.g., 'Axioms of Democracy' or 'Axioms of Faith'). This title choice signals to the reader that the book will deal with the most fundamental, essential truths of that topic. In the digital age, you might see it in long-form social media posts or 'threads' where a writer is trying to simplify a complex issue by breaking it down into its 'self-evident' components. It carries an air of 'intellectual clarity' and 'rationality' that is highly valued in Arabic discourse.

في دروس المنطق، نبدأ دائماً بتعريف البديهيات قبل الانتقال إلى الاستنتاجات.

Translation: In logic classes, we always start by defining axioms before moving to conclusions.

Finally, the word appears in religious sermons (Khutbahs). Preachers use it to remind the congregation of fundamental moral truths that 'everyone knows' but might have forgotten to practice. In this context, the badihiya is not just a logical point, but a moral imperative. For example, 'It is a badihiya that we must help our neighbors.' Here, the word bridges the gap between the mind and the heart, suggesting that certain ethical truths are hard-wired into the human soul (the Fitra). For a learner, hearing the word in these diverse contexts—from the high-paced newsroom to the quiet mosque—reveals its versatility as a tool for expressing certainty across all areas of life.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using بديهية is confusing it with other words that share the same root or sound similar. Arabic is a language of roots, and the root (ب د ه) generates several words that, while related, have very different applications. A common error is using 'Badiha' (بديهة) when you mean 'Badihiya' (بديهية). While they are related, 'Badiha' refers to the human *faculty* of intuition or quick-wittedness, whereas 'Badihiya' refers to the *truth* or *proposition* that is self-evident. You can have a 'quick badiha,' but a fact is a 'badihiya.'

Confusing with 'Badi' (بديع): Mistake: Using 'Badihiya' to mean 'wonderful' or 'innovative.' 'Badi' (بديع) comes from a different root (ب د ع) and means something magnificent or creative. 'Badihiya' is about logic, not beauty.
Misusing 'Min al-Badahiyyat': Mistake: Using this phrase for something that is actually a complex opinion. If you say 'It is a badihiya that this movie is the best,' you are using the word incorrectly. A badihiya must be a universal truth, not a personal preference.
Pluralization Errors: Mistake: Thinking the plural is 'Badahi' or something similar. The plural is always the sound feminine plural 'Badahiyyat' (بديهيات). Using the wrong plural form can make your academic writing sound unprofessional.

خطأ: هذا الفستان بديهية جداً. (بمعنى جميل)

Correction: You mean 'Badi'' (بديع). You cannot use 'Badihiya' to describe a physical object's beauty.

Another subtle mistake is the confusion between 'Badihiya' and 'Musallama' (مسلّمة). While often used as synonyms, a 'Musallama' is a 'postulate'—something we *agree* to accept as true for the sake of an argument, even if it isn't necessarily self-evident to everyone. A 'Badihiya' is supposed to be self-evident by its very nature. Using 'Badihiya' for a political postulate can come across as arrogant, as you are implying that your specific political starting point is a universal law of nature. For example, 'The necessity of a free market is a badihiya' is a strong ideological statement, whereas calling it a 'Musallama' acknowledges it as a starting point of a specific economic school of thought.

تجنب قول 'هذا أمر بديهي' إذا كان الأمر يتطلب بحثاً وتنقيباً.

Advice: Don't call something 'badihiy' (self-evident) if it actually requires research and investigation. It undermines your credibility.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the 'Nisba' adjective form. 'Badihiy' (بديهي) is the adjective, while 'Badihiya' (بديهية) is the noun. If you want to say 'This is a self-evident matter,' you say 'Hatha amrun badihiy' (هذا أمرٌ بديهيٌ). If you want to say 'This is an axiom,' you say 'Hathihi badihiya' (هذه بديهية). Confusing the noun and adjective forms is a common grammatical slip. Always check if you are describing a noun (use the adjective) or if you are naming the concept itself (use the noun). Mastering this distinction will greatly improve your fluency in formal Arabic discussions.

To truly master بديهية, you must see where it sits in the constellation of Arabic words related to truth, evidence, and clarity. Arabic has a rich vocabulary for different degrees of certainty, and choosing the right word can change the entire tone of your sentence. While badihiya is about self-evidence, other words focus on proof, general acceptance, or visual clarity. Knowing these alternatives allows you to be more precise in your academic or professional writing.

مسلّمة (Musallama) - Postulate/Given: Comparison: A 'Musallama' is something accepted by both parties in a debate to move forward. It might not be 'self-evident' to the whole world, but it is 'granted' for the current discussion. 'Badihiya' is more universal.
حقيقة (Haqiqa) - Truth/Fact: Comparison: 'Haqiqa' is a broad term for any truth. A 'Badihiya' is a specific *type* of truth—one that is immediate and fundamental. You prove a 'Haqiqa,' but you recognize a 'Badihiya.'
واضحة (Wadiha) - Clear/Obvious: Comparison: 'Wadiha' is a general adjective for something easy to see or understand. 'Badihiya' is a formal, logical noun. You might say an explanation is 'wadiha,' but a logical principle is a 'badihiya.'

الفرق بين البديهية والبرهان هو أن الأولى لا تحتاج إلى الأخير.

Translation: The difference between an axiom and a proof is that the former does not need the latter.

Other alternatives include 'Awwaliyya' (أولية), which literally means 'primary' and is used in philosophy to describe primary cognitions. There is also 'Yaqiniyya' (يقينية), which refers to something that is certain. While a badihiya is always 'yaqiniyya' (certain), many certain things are not badihiya (for example, the fact that it rained yesterday is certain but not an axiom). In legal contexts, you might see 'Mabda'' (مبدأ), which means 'principle.' While a principle can be a badihiya, it is often a rule derived from other truths, whereas the badihiya is the source itself.

يعتبر العدل مبدأً أساسياً، بينما المساواة أمام القانون هي بديهية حقوقية.

Translation: Justice is considered a fundamental principle, while equality before the law is a legal axiom.

In summary, badihiya is your go-to word for the 'unquestionables.' Use its alternatives when the truth you are discussing is either less universal, more requiring of evidence, or simply a starting point for a specific discussion. By varying your vocabulary between 'Haqiqa,' 'Musallama,' 'Mabda',' and 'Badihiya,' you demonstrate a high level of linguistic sophistication and a deep understanding of the nuances of Arabic thought and logic. This is the hallmark of a CEFR C1/C2 level speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"تعتبر هذه المصادرة بديهية منطقية في نظامنا."

Neutral

"من البديهي أن العمل الجاد يؤدي للنجاح."

Informal

"يا أخي، هذا شيء بديهي!"

Child friendly

"هل تعرف أن النار حارة؟ هذه بديهية!"

Slang

"بديات يا مان (Badayyat ya man)"

Fun Fact

The root is also connected to 'Badiha' (intuition). Arabs highly valued 'Sur'at al-Badiha' (speed of intuition) in their poets and leaders, as it showed a sharp, clear mind that didn't need time to process obvious truths.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ba.diː.hiː.ja/

US /ba.diː.hiː.jə/

The primary stress is on the second syllable 'diː' and the third syllable 'hiː'.

Rhymes With

بشرية (Bashariyya) عالمية (Alamiyya) واقعية (Waqi'iyya) منطقية (Mantiqiyya) علمية (Ilmiyya) حرية (Hurriyya) قضية (Qadiyya) هوية (Hawiyya)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'h' too harshly like the Arabic 'Ha' (ح). It should be 'ha' (ه).
Missing the 'ya' sound at the end and saying 'badihee'.
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Confusing the 'd' with an English 'th' sound.
Shortening the long 'ee' vowels.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 7/5

The word itself is easy to read, but the contexts (philosophy/logic) can be dense.

Writing 8/5

Requires understanding of where to place it for rhetorical effect.

Speaking 6/5

Pronunciation is rhythmic and satisfying once mastered.

Listening 7/5

Often spoken quickly in news debates, can be missed.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

حقيقة واضح عقل منطق فكرة

Learn Next

مسلّمة برهان استنتاج يقين فلسفة

Advanced

إبستيمولوجيا أنطولوجيا سفسطة منطق صوري استنباط

Grammar to Know

The Relative Adjective (Nisba)

بديهة (noun) -> بديهي (adjective)

Sound Feminine Plural

بديهية -> بديهيات (adding -at)

Nominal Sentence Structure

هذه بديهية (Subject + Predicate)

Idafa Construction

بديهيات الهندسة (Axioms of Geometry)

Emphasis with Inna

إن البديهية واضحة (Verily, the axiom is clear)

Examples by Level

هذه حقيقة بديهية.

This is a self-evident truth.

A simple nominal sentence.

الشمس تشرق، هذا بديهي.

The sun rises, this is obvious.

Using the adjective form 'badihiy'.

الماء ضروري، هذه بديهية.

Water is necessary, this is an axiom.

The word acts as a predicate.

من البديهي أن نأكل.

It is obvious that we eat.

Introductory 'Min al-badihiy' phrase.

هذه بديهية بسيطة.

This is a simple axiom.

Adjective 'basita' modifying 'badihiya'.

الصدق مهم، بديهية واضحة.

Honesty is important, a clear axiom.

Apposition of two nouns.

كل طفل يعرف هذه البديهية.

Every child knows this axiom.

Object of the verb 'knows'.

النار تحرق، هذا شيء بديهي.

Fire burns, this is something obvious.

Using 'shay' (thing) with the adjective.

من البديهيات أن الرياضة مفيدة للجسم.

It is among the axioms that exercise is good for the body.

Plural form 'badahiyyat' used in a common structure.

هذه البديهية لا تحتاج إلى شرح طويل.

This axiom does not need a long explanation.

Negative sentence with 'la tahtaj'.

يعتبر هذا الأمر بديهية عند الجميع.

This matter is considered an axiom by everyone.

Passive verb 'yu'tabar'.

قرأتُ عن البديهيات في كتاب العلوم.

I read about axioms in a science book.

Prepositional phrase 'an al-badahiyyat'.

ليس كل ما يبدو بديهياً هو صحيح دائماً.

Not everything that seems obvious is always correct.

Use of 'laysa' (is not) and 'yabdu' (seems).

نحن نتفق على هذه البديهية الأساسية.

We agree on this basic axiom.

Verb 'nattafiq' (we agree) + 'ala'.

هل هذه بديهية أم فكرة جديدة؟

Is this an axiom or a new idea?

Interrogative sentence.

الأم تحب طفلها، هذه بديهية عاطفية.

A mother loves her child, this is an emotional axiom.

Noun-adjective pair.

من البديهيات السياسية أن الاستقرار يجذب الاستثمار.

It is a political axiom that stability attracts investment.

Adding a categorical adjective 'siyasiyya'.

لا يمكن إنكار هذه البديهية المنطقية.

This logical axiom cannot be denied.

Modal phrase 'la yumkin inkar'.

بدأت المحاضرة بشرح البديهيات الأولى للمادة.

The lecture began by explaining the first axioms of the subject.

Using 'al-badahiyyat al-ula'.

علينا أن نراجع بديهياتنا قبل اتخاذ القرار.

We must review our axioms before making the decision.

Possessive suffix '-na' (our).

تعتبر الحرية بديهية إنسانية في العصر الحديث.

Freedom is considered a human axiom in the modern era.

Abstract noun usage.

هذه النتائج مبنية على بديهيات خاطئة.

These results are built on false axioms.

Passive participle 'mabniyya' (built).

هل تعتبر المساواة بديهية أم حقاً مكتسباً؟

Is equality considered an axiom or an acquired right?

Comparative question.

تحدث الكاتب عن بديهيات النجاح في العمل.

The author spoke about the axioms of success at work.

Genitive construction (Idafa).

في الرياضيات، البديهية هي نقطة الانطلاق لكل برهان.

In mathematics, the axiom is the starting point for every proof.

Formal academic definition style.

يُفترض في هذا البحث أن التغير المناخي بديهية علمية.

This research assumes that climate change is a scientific axiom.

Use of 'yuftarad' (it is assumed).

من البديهي تماماً أن العلم يتطور بالبحث المستمر.

It is absolutely self-evident that science evolves through continuous research.

Adverbial 'tamaman' (completely) modifying 'badihiy'.

لا تستهن بالبديهيات، فهي أساس المعرفة.

Do not underestimate axioms, for they are the foundation of knowledge.

Imperative negative 'la tastahin'.

أصبحت الديمقراطية بديهية سياسية في العديد من الدول.

Democracy has become a political axiom in many countries.

Verb 'asbahat' (became).

هناك فرق جوهري بين البديهية والنظرية.

There is a fundamental difference between an axiom and a theory.

Noun phrase 'farq jawhari' (fundamental difference).

يجب ألا نأخذ كل شيء على أنه بديهية دون تمحيص.

We must not take everything as an axiom without scrutiny.

Conjunction 'ala annahu' (as if it were).

تعتمد الفلسفة الديكارتية على بديهية 'أنا أفكر، إذن أنا موجود'.

Cartesian philosophy depends on the axiom 'I think, therefore I am.'

Reference to a famous philosophical quote.

تتأسس الأخلاق عند البعض على بديهيات فطرية لا تتغير.

Morality is founded by some on innate axioms that do not change.

Verb 'tata'assas' (is founded).

إن التشكيك في البديهيات هو أول خطوات الفلسفة الحقيقية.

Questioning axioms is the first step of true philosophy.

Emphasis with 'Inna'.

تجاوز الكاتب البديهيات التقليدية ليطرح رؤية ثورية.

The writer bypassed traditional axioms to present a revolutionary vision.

Verb 'tajawaza' (bypassed/transcended).

تعتبر هذه المصادرات بديهيات في النسق المنطقي الذي ندرسه.

These postulates are considered axioms in the logical system we are studying.

Technical term 'nasaq' (system).

من نافلة القول إن هذه البديهية هي حجر الزاوية في بحثنا.

It goes without saying that this axiom is the cornerstone of our research.

Idiomatic 'min nafilat al-qawl' (it goes without saying).

هل يمكن بناء مجتمع دون بديهيات أخلاقية مشتركة؟

Can a society be built without shared moral axioms?

Complex interrogative structure.

يفرق المناطقة بين البديهيات العقلية والبديهيات التجريبية.

Logicians distinguish between rational axioms and empirical axioms.

Subject 'al-manatiqa' (logicians).

تظل فكرة العدالة بديهية تسعى البشرية لتحقيقها.

The idea of justice remains an axiom that humanity seeks to achieve.

Verb 'tadallu' (remains).

تغوص هذه الدراسة في نقد البديهيات المعرفية التي سادت في العصر الوسيط.

This study dives into the critique of the epistemological axioms that prevailed in the Middle Ages.

High-level vocabulary like 'naqd' and 'saadat'.

إن ما نعتبره اليوم بديهية قد كان في الماضي كفراً علمياً.

What we consider an axiom today was scientific heresy in the past.

Complex relative clause starting with 'ma'.

يتمحور الجدل حول مدى بديهية المبادئ المنظمة للعقد الاجتماعي.

The debate centers on the extent of the self-evidence of the principles organizing the social contract.

Verb 'yatamahwar' (centers around).

لا تستقيم الحجة إذا كانت مقدماتها تفتقر إلى صبغة البديهية.

The argument does not hold if its premises lack the character of self-evidence.

Conditional 'itha' + 'la tastaqim'.

إن التوسل بالبديهيات أحياناً يكون وسيلة للهروب من عبء البرهان.

Invoking axioms can sometimes be a means of escaping the burden of proof.

Gerund 'al-tawassul' (invoking/appealing to).

تتجلى عبقرية الرياضي في قدرته على صياغة بديهيات جديدة.

A mathematician's genius is manifested in their ability to formulate new axioms.

Verb 'tatajalla' (is manifested).

تعتبر هذه القضية بديهية أولية في الفكر الإشراقي.

This issue is considered a primary axiom in Illuminationist thought.

Specific philosophical terminology.

نحن بصدد مراجعة شاملة لكافة البديهيات التي قام عليها هذا النظام.

We are in the process of a comprehensive review of all the axioms upon which this system was built.

Phrase 'nahnu bi-sadad' (we are in the process of).

Synonyms

مسلّمة حقيقة واضحة يقين أولية

Antonyms

فرضية شك مغالطة

Common Collocations

حقيقة بديهية

من البديهي أن

بديهيات العلم

بديهية عقلية

بديهية رياضية

تجاوز البديهيات

بديهية حقوقية

أمر بديهي

سرعة البديهة

بديهيات الحياة

Common Phrases

من البديهيات

— It is among the self-evident things. Used to introduce an obvious point.

من البديهيات أن العلم نور.

أمر لا يحتاج لبرهان

— A matter that doesn't need proof. A common way to describe a badihiya.

صدقك أمر لا يحتاج لبرهان.

غني عن التعريف

— Needs no introduction. Used for famous people or obvious concepts.

هذا الكاتب غني عن التعريف.

تحصيل حاصل

— A foregone conclusion or something redundant. Often used with obvious truths.

كلامك هذا تحصيل حاصل.

واضح وضوح الشمس

— Clear as the sun. Used for extremely obvious facts.

الحق واضح وضوح الشمس.

لا يختلف عليه اثنان

— No two people disagree on it. Used for universal axioms.

كرمه لا يختلف عليه اثنان.

ضرب من الخيال

— A figment of imagination. The opposite of a grounded badihiya.

كلامه ضرب من الخيال.

على سبيل المثال

— By way of example. Used to illustrate an axiom.

من البديهيات، على سبيل المثال، أن الوقت ثمين.

بكل بساطة

— Quite simply. Used to state a simple axiom.

بكل بساطة، الصدق ينجي.

في المقام الأول

— In the first place. Used to list axioms or priorities.

نهتم بالسلامة في المقام الأول.

Often Confused With

بديهية vs بديهة

Means intuition/wit. A person has a 'badiha', but a fact is a 'badihiya'.

بديهية vs بديع

Means wonderful/innovative. Different root and meaning.

بديهية vs بداية

Means beginning. While related in concept (starting point), it's a different word.

Idioms & Expressions

"سرعة البديهة"

— Quick-wittedness. The ability to respond instantly and cleverly.

أعجبني الوزير بسرعة بديهته في الرد.

Formal

"حاضر البديهة"

— Ready-witted. Someone who is always alert and quick to react.

كان القائد حاضر البديهة في المعركة.

Neutral

"من باب أولى"

— A fortiori / All the more so. Used when a conclusion is even more self-evident than the premise.

إذا كان الصغير يفهم هذا، فالكبير يفهمه من باب أولى.

Formal

"لا غبار عليه"

— Beyond reproach / Crystal clear. Used for truths that are undisputed.

هذه الحقيقة لا غبار عليها.

Neutral

"نصب عينيه"

— Before his eyes. Keeping an axiom or goal constantly in mind.

كان يضع بديهيات النجاح نصب عينيه.

Literary

"قطع الشك باليقين"

— To replace doubt with certainty. What happens when you realize a badihiya.

كلامه قطع الشك باليقين.

Formal

"على رؤوس الأشهاد"

— In public / For all to see. When an axiom is declared openly.

أعلن موقفه على رؤوس الأشهاد.

Formal

"بنت بجدها"

— An original or sudden idea (rare). Related to the 'sudden' aspect of the root.

جاء بفكرة هي بنت بجدها.

Classical

"لا يسمن ولا يغني من جوع"

— Of no use. Used to describe something that is NOT a useful badihiya.

هذه المعلومات لا تسمن ولا تغني من جوع.

Religious/Formal

"أشهر من نار على علم"

— More famous than a fire on a mountain. Used for self-evident, famous facts.

هذه البديهية أشهر من نار على علم.

Literary

Easily Confused

بديهية vs مسلّمة

Both mean 'given' or 'axiom'.

A 'musallama' is accepted by agreement; a 'badihiya' is self-evident by nature.

نقبل هذه مسلّمة للنقاش، لكنها ليست بديهية للجميع.

بديهية vs حقيقة

Both refer to truth.

A 'haqiqa' can be complex and need proof; a 'badihiya' is immediate and fundamental.

هذه الحقيقة العلمية احتاجت لسنوات من البحث، فهي ليست بديهية.

بديهية vs مبدأ

Both can be starting points.

A 'mabda'' is a rule or principle; a 'badihiya' is a logical truth.

المساواة مبدأ قانوني، وبديهية أخلاقية.

بديهية vs افتراض

Both are used at the start of logic.

An 'iftirad' (assumption) might be false; a 'badihiya' is always true.

هذا مجرد افتراض، وليس بديهية منطقية.

بديهية vs واضح

Both mean obvious.

'Wadih' is an adjective for anything clear; 'badihiya' is a formal noun for a truth.

كلامك واضح، لكنه لا يرقى ليكون بديهية.

Sentence Patterns

هذا [Noun] بديهي.

هذا السؤال بديهي.

من البديهي أن [Verb].

من البديهي أن ندرس.

تعتبر [Noun] بديهية [Adjective].

تعتبر الصداقة بديهية إنسانية.

لا يمكننا تجاهل هذه البديهية الـ...

لا يمكننا تجاهل هذه البديهية العلمية.

إن التشكيك في [Noun] هو...

إن التشكيك في البديهيات هو شجاعة.

تتمحور الدراسة حول مراجعة البديهيات الـ...

تتمحور الدراسة حول مراجعة البديهيات المعرفية.

بناءً على البديهية القائلة بأن...

بناءً على البديهية القائلة بأن الإنسان حر.

هناك فرق بين البديهية والـ...

هناك فرق بين البديهية والافتراض.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in media, academic writing, and intellectual discourse.

Common Mistakes

هذا الشخص بديهية. → هذا الشخص حاضر البديهة.
You cannot call a person a 'badihiya' (an axiom). You can say they have 'badiha' (intuition).
بديهية العلم رائعة. → بديع العلم رائع.
Don't confuse 'Badihiya' (logic) with 'Badi'' (wonderful/creative).
الجمع: بدايه → الجمع: بديهيات
The plural is always 'badahiyyat', not 'badaya' or other broken plurals.
من البديهي أن أذهب للمحل. → من الطبيعي أن أذهب للمحل.
Going to the shop is 'natural' or 'normal', not a logical 'axiom' (badihiya). Use it for higher truths.
هذه بديهي. → هذه بديهية.
Gender agreement: 'Hathihi' (feminine) must be followed by 'badihiya' (feminine).

Tips

Academic Writing

When writing an essay, use 'badahiyyat' to define your foundational premises. It makes your logic look structured and undeniable.

Debating

If someone is overcomplicating a simple point, say 'Hathihi badihiya' to bring the conversation back to basics.

Gender Agreement

Remember that 'badihiya' is feminine. If you use it as a predicate for a masculine subject, make sure the grammar matches your intent (noun vs adjective).

Root Learning

Learn the word 'Sur'at al-Badiha' (quick-wittedness) alongside 'badihiya' to see how the root functions in different contexts.

Media Literacy

Pay attention to when news anchors use 'Min al-badahiyyat.' They are usually trying to establish a consensus before sharing their opinion.

Intellectual Tradition

Read a bit about 'Ilm al-Kalam' to see how medieval scholars used 'badahiyyat' to prove the existence of logical laws.

Avoid Clichés

Don't call everything a 'badihiya.' If it needs a long explanation, it's a 'Haqiqa' (truth), not a 'badihiya.'

The Lightbulb Rule

Associate the word with the 'Aha!' moment. If it's an 'Aha!' truth, it's a 'badihiya.'

Scientific Texts

In math books, look for 'Badahiyyat'. They are the rules you must accept before you can do the exercises.

Finding Common Ground

Use 'badahiyyat' to find points of agreement in a difficult conversation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Body-Hi-Ya'. If someone hits your 'Body', you say 'Hi-Ya!' suddenly. A 'Badahiya' is a truth that hits your mind 'suddenly' and is impossible to ignore.

Visual Association

Imagine a lightbulb instantly turning on above someone's head. That instant light is the 'Badahiya'—the truth that needs no search, just a sudden realization.

Word Web

Logic Math Obvious Axiom Intuition Certainty Reason Foundation

Challenge

Try to list three 'badahiyyat' about your daily life in Arabic, such as 'Water is wet' or 'Time moves forward.'

Word Origin

The word comes from the Arabic root (ب د ه - B-D-H), which primarily carries the meaning of 'suddenness' or 'happening unexpectedly.' In ancient times, it referred to things that occurred to the mind without prior thought.

Original meaning: Something that meets you suddenly or the first thing that comes to mind.

Semitic / Afroasiatic

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling religious or political beliefs 'badahiyyat' in a diverse group, as what is self-evident to one may not be to another.

English speakers might find 'axiom' too formal for daily use, but in Arabic, 'badihiya' is used more broadly in intellectual conversation and news.

Ibn Sina's 'Al-Isharat wa al-Tanbihat' (Logic section) Al-Ghazali's 'Tahafut al-Falasifa' Modern legal codes in Egypt and the Levant

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Mathematics

بديهيات إقليدس
نقطة الانطلاق
برهان منطقي
مسلّمات رياضية

Politics

بديهيات السياسة
حقوق بديهية
استقرار وطني
إجماع عام

Philosophy

فطرة إنسانية
أوليات عقلية
يقين مطلق
نقد البديهيات

Daily Life

أمر بديهي
شيء معروف
لا يحتاج شرح
واضح جداً

Education

أساسيات المادة
حقائق أولية
فهم البديهيات
قواعد بسيطة

Conversation Starters

"هل تعتقد أن هناك بديهيات أخلاقية يتفق عليها كل البشر؟"

"ما هي أهم بديهية تعلمتها في حياتك المهنية؟"

"لماذا يجد البعض صعوبة في قبول البديهيات العلمية أحياناً؟"

"هل تعتبر الحرية بديهية أم شيئاً يجب أن نحارب من أجله؟"

"كيف يمكننا التمييز بين البديهية الحقيقية والاعتقاد الاجتماعي الشائع؟"

Journal Prompts

اكتب عن 'بديهية' كنت تؤمن بها ثم اكتشفت أنها كانت خاطئة.

ناقش كيف يمكن للبديهيات أن تساعدنا في اتخاذ قرارات سريعة في الأزمات.

هل تعتقد أن الذكاء الاصطناعي يمكنه فهم 'البديهيات' الإنسانية؟

صف شعورك عندما يجادلك شخص في 'بديهية' تراها واضحة جداً.

اكتب قائمة بخمس 'بديهيات' تحكم فلسفتك الخاصة في الحياة.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Badiha' (بديهة) refers to the human mental faculty of intuition or quick-wittedness. For example, 'He has a quick badiha.' 'Badihiya' (بديهية) refers to the truth or axiom itself. For example, '1+1=2 is a badihiya.'

Yes, but it sounds a bit formal or academic. In casual speech, people often use the adjective form 'Badihiy' (بديهي) to mean 'obvious.' For example, 'Hatha shay badihiy' (This is an obvious thing).

The plural is 'Badahiyyat' (بديهيات). It follows the sound feminine plural pattern. You use this when talking about a set of rules or axioms, like 'the axioms of geometry.'

No. While it is the standard word for mathematical axioms, it is also used in philosophy, law, politics, and daily logic to describe any self-evident truth.

No. That is 'Badi'' (بديع). This is a common mistake because the words sound slightly similar, but they come from different roots and have zero overlap in meaning.

'Badihiya' (بديهية) is a noun meaning 'an axiom.' 'Badihiy' (بديهي) is the adjective meaning 'self-evident.' Both are used frequently.

The root is (ب-د-ه). It relates to things that happen suddenly or meet the mind without delay. This is why a 'badihiya' is a truth that is understood 'suddenly' and 'instantly.'

By definition, a 'badihiya' is true. However, philosophers often debate whether something people *think* is a 'badihiya' is actually a social bias or a mistake. So, people can be wrong about what is 'badihiya.'

The most common way is 'Min al-badahiyyat anna...' (من البديهيات أن...) or 'Min al-badihiy anna...' (من البديهي أن...).

The specific word 'Badihiya' does not appear in the Quran, but the root (بده) and concepts of 'clear signs' (Ayat Bayyinat) and 'innate nature' (Fitra) are very central to Islamic thought and are often discussed using this word in later commentaries.