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A1 noun 8 min read

معنى

ma'na
Examples Notes & Tips معنى in 30 Seconds
Explanation معنى in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'ma‘nā' is one of your most important 'survival' words. You will primarily use it in the question 'Mā ma‘nā...?' (What is the meaning of...?). This allows you to ask for help when you encounter a new Arabic word. You should also recognize it when a teacher explains something to you. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex plural forms or philosophical uses. Just focus on its role as a bridge to learning other words. It is a masculine noun, but because it ends in an 'ā' sound (alif maqsura), it doesn't take the usual 'un/an/in' case endings. You will see it most often in simple sentences like 'Ma ma‘nā hādhā?' (What does this mean?). It is a direct equivalent to 'meaning' in English and is essential for basic communication and vocabulary building. Practice saying it clearly: 'MA'-na'.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'ma‘nā' in slightly more complex structures. You can start using it with possessive pronouns, like 'ma‘nāhu' (its meaning) or 'ma‘nāhā' (her/its meaning). You will also encounter it in simple descriptions, such as 'hādhā al-ma‘nā sa‘b' (this meaning is difficult). You are now moving beyond just asking for translations and starting to describe the 'sense' of sentences. You might also see the word in simple reading passages where it refers to the 'point' of a sentence. This is also the stage where you should start distinguishing between the noun 'ma‘nā' and the very common filler verb 'ya‘nī' (it means). Remember: use 'ma‘nā' when you want the 'what' (the noun), and 'ya‘nī' when you want the 'how' or 'it is' (the verb). This distinction will make your Arabic sound much more grounded and grammatically correct.
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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'ma‘nā' in abstract contexts. You can discuss the 'meaning of life' (ma‘nā al-hayāh) or the 'meaning of friendship' (ma‘nā al-sadāqa). You will also start using the transition phrase 'bi-ma‘nā ākhar' (in other words) to clarify your thoughts during conversations or in short essays. This is a key marker of fluency. You should also be aware of the plural form 'ma‘ānī' (meanings) and how it is used in more diverse contexts. For example, you might talk about a word having 'multiple meanings' (ma‘ānin muta‘addida). You will notice that 'ma‘nā' appears frequently in media to explain the 'implications' of an event. You are now using the word not just to learn language, but to express complex ideas and nuances. You might also start encountering it in the context of 'intent' (qasd), comparing the two concepts in discussion.
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At the B2 level, you use 'ma‘nā' to analyze text and speech critically. You can distinguish between 'al-ma‘nā al-harfī' (literal meaning) and 'al-ma‘nā al-majāzī' (metaphorical meaning). This is essential for understanding Arabic literature, media, and advanced rhetoric. You will use the word to explain the 'significance' of social trends or political shifts. You should also be familiar with collocations like 'bi-atamm ma‘nā al-kalima' (in the fullest sense of the word) to add emphasis to your arguments. Your use of 'bi-ma‘nā ākhar' should be seamless, helping you navigate complex explanations. You are now able to participate in debates about the 'true meaning' of concepts like democracy, freedom, or justice. The word becomes a tool for conceptual analysis rather than just a vocabulary item. You also begin to see how 'ma‘nā' relates to the root system and other words like 'ma‘ni' (concerned/interested).
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At the C1 level, your understanding of 'ma‘nā' reaches a professional and academic depth. You will encounter the word in the study of 'Balaagha' (Arabic rhetoric), specifically in '‘Ilm al-Ma‘ānī' (the science of meanings), which deals with how word order and sentence structure change the meaning and impact of speech. You can discuss the 'nuances' (latā’if) and 'subtleties' (daqā’iq) of meanings in classical texts. You are able to use 'ma‘nā' to discuss semiotics and semantic theory in Arabic. You will also use it in legal contexts to debate the 'intent' of legislation or the 'purport' of a contract. Your vocabulary includes specialized synonyms like 'fahwā', 'maghzā', and 'madmūn', and you know exactly when to use each to convey the precise type of 'meaning' you intend. You can write long essays exploring the philosophical 'ma‘nā' of existence or the 'evolution of meaning' in language over centuries.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of the philosophical and linguistic depths of 'ma‘nā'. You can engage with classical Arabic linguistic philosophy, such as the works of Al-Jurjani on the 'meaning of meaning' (ma‘nā al-ma‘nā). You understand the complex relationship between 'lafdh' (phonetic form) and 'ma‘nā' (mental concept) and can debate these topics in a high academic setting. You use 'ma‘nā' to dissect the most subtle layers of Quranic Arabic or pre-Islamic poetry, where a single word's 'ma‘nā' can be the subject of volumes of commentary. You can effortlessly switch between different registers and use 'ma‘nā' to express the most abstract, metaphysical concepts. Your command of the word's plural variations and its role in complex grammatical constructions is flawless. You don't just use the word; you understand its history, its psychological weight, and its role in shaping the Arabic worldview.
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Examples Notes & Tips

معنى in 30 Seconds

  • Ma‘nā is the standard Arabic noun for 'meaning' or 'significance.'
  • It is used most commonly in the question 'Mā ma‘nā...?' (What is the meaning of...?).
  • Grammatically, it is an indeclinable noun ending in alif maqsura.
  • It spans all registers, from daily survival Arabic to high-level linguistics and philosophy.

The Arabic word معنى (ma‘nā) is a fundamental pillar of the Arabic language, serving as the primary noun for 'meaning,' 'sense,' or 'significance.' At its core, it refers to the concept or idea that a word, phrase, or action conveys. Whether you are a beginner asking for a translation or a philosopher debating the purpose of existence, this word is your essential tool. In everyday conversation, it is most frequently encountered in the question 'mā ma‘nā...?' (What is the meaning of...?), which is the lifeline of every language learner. However, its utility extends far beyond simple definitions. It encompasses the 'intent' behind a person's words and the 'essence' of a situation. The word is derived from the root ع-ن-ي (ʿ-n-y), which relates to concerning oneself with something or intending something. Therefore, a 'ma‘nā' is not just a dry dictionary entry; it is the intention or the 'point' being made.

Literal Definition
The conceptual content of an utterance or sign; the significance or import of something.

ما معنى هذه الكلمة بالعربية؟ (What is the meaning of this word in Arabic?)

In a broader cultural context, 'ma‘nā' is used to describe the depth of a person's character or the value of an experience. If a story is described as having 'ma‘nā kabīr' (great meaning), it implies it is profound or impactful. Interestingly, in the plural form 'ma‘ānī', it often refers to the nuances and subtleties of language, particularly in poetry and rhetoric (‘ilm al-ma‘ānī). This word also appears in common idioms. For instance, if something is 'lā ma‘nā lahu', it is literally 'meaningless' or 'pointless,' used to dismiss illogical arguments or futile efforts. In the modern era, the word is also used in technical fields like semantics and semiotics. Understanding 'ma‘nā' is not just about vocabulary; it is about understanding how Arabic speakers bridge the gap between sounds and thoughts.

Abstract Usage
Refers to the 'point' or 'purpose' of life or actions, as in 'the meaning of life' (ma‘nā al-hayāh).

كلامك ليس له معنى واضح. (Your words do not have a clear meaning.)

Using the word معنى effectively requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a noun that often acts as the first part of an Idafa construction (possessive phrase). Most commonly, it is followed by a noun or a pronoun to specify whose or what meaning is being discussed. For example, 'ma‘nā al-jumla' (the meaning of the sentence) or 'ma‘nāhu' (its meaning). Because it ends in an 'alif maqsura' (ى), its ending does not change for case (it is indeclinable in its singular form), making it relatively easy for beginners to handle in different sentence positions.

Common Structure
[Question Word] + معنى + [Noun/Pronoun]. Example: ما معنى هذا؟ (What is the meaning of this?)

أنا أبحث عن معنى السعادة في كتبي. (I am looking for the meaning of happiness in my books.)

In more advanced usage, you will see 'ma‘nā' used to clarify or rephrase. The phrase 'bi-ma‘nā ākhar' (in another meaning / in other words) is a transition phrase used constantly in academic writing and formal speeches to provide synonyms or simplify complex ideas. Another important pattern is using 'ma‘nā' with the preposition 'bi' (with) to create an adverbial sense: 'bi-ma‘nā al-kalima' (in every sense of the word). This is used for emphasis, such as saying 'He is a hero in every sense of the word.' You should also be aware of the negation: 'lā ma‘nā lahu' (it has no meaning). This is a strong way to say something is nonsensical or irrelevant.

The 'In Other Words' Pattern
بمعنى آخر، نحن بحاجة إلى تغيير الخطة. (In other words, we need to change the plan.)

هل يمكنك توضيح معنى كلامك؟ (Can you clarify the meaning of your words?)

The word معنى is ubiquitous across all registers of Arabic, from the most formal Quranic exegesis to the most casual street slang. In a classroom or educational setting, it is the most common word you will hear. Teachers use it to explain vocabulary, and students use it to ask for help. In media and news, journalists use it to interpret political statements or events, often saying 'bi-ma‘nā an...' (meaning that...) to explain the implications of a new law or a diplomatic move. It is a bridge between the literal and the interpretive.

Classroom Setting
Teacher: 'What is the meaning of this verb?' (Mā ma‘nā hādhā al-fi‘l?)

هذا القرار له معنى سياسي كبير. (This decision has great political significance.)

In daily social life, you might hear it during a misunderstanding. If someone feels their intentions were misconstrued, they might say 'laysa hādhā ma‘nā kalāmī' (That is not the meaning of my words/That's not what I meant). In religious contexts, 'ma‘nā' is used in the study of 'Tafsir' (interpretation) to discuss the 'hidden' or 'inner' meanings of scripture (al-ma‘nā al-bātinī). Furthermore, in the world of art and literature, critics often ask 'mā al-ma‘nā al-fannī?' (What is the artistic meaning?). It is a word that invites depth and exploration in every conversation.

Legal/Official Context
Used to define terms in contracts: 'The word X shall have the meaning of...' (yakūn li-kalima X ma‘nā...)

الحياة بدون أصدقاء ليس لها معنى. (Life without friends has no meaning.)

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing the noun معنى (ma‘nā - meaning) with the verb يعني (ya‘nī - it means/he means). While 'ya‘nī' is used as a filler word similar to 'like' or 'I mean' in English, 'ma‘nā' is a noun that requires a subject. You cannot say 'ma‘nā hādhā...' to mean 'This means...'; instead, you must say 'ma‘nā hādhā huwa...' (The meaning of this is...) or simply use the verb 'ya‘nī hādhā...'. Understanding the part of speech is crucial for sentence structure.

Mistake: Noun vs Verb
Incorrect: 'Hādhā ma‘nā...' (This meaning...). Correct: 'Hādhā ya‘nī...' (This means...).

خطأ: ما يعني هذه الكلمة؟ (Wrong: What means this word?) صح: ما معنى هذه الكلمة؟ (Right: What is the meaning of this word?)

Another common error involves the spelling and pronunciation of the plural 'ma‘ānī'. In its indefinite form, the 'yā' at the end is dropped, becoming 'ma‘ānin' (معانٍ). Many learners forget to drop the 'yā' or misplace the tanwin. Additionally, learners often overuse the word 'ma‘nā' when they actually want to express 'opinion' or 'feeling.' While 'ma‘nā' covers the definition, it doesn't always cover the personal 'intent' in the same way 'intention' (niyya) does. Finally, remember that 'ma‘nā' is an abstract noun; don't try to pluralize it when referring to a single complex idea.

Preposition Confusion
Learners often forget the 'bi' in 'bi-ma‘nā' (meaning/in the sense of). It's rarely used as a standalone adverb.

لا تستخدم معنى عندما تريد أن تقول 'قصد'. (Don't use 'meaning' when you want to say 'intent'.)

While معنى is the most versatile word for 'meaning,' Arabic offers a rich palette of synonyms that provide more specific nuances. Choosing the right one can make your Arabic sound more natural and sophisticated. For instance, if you are talking about the 'purport' or 'gist' of a long speech, the word 'fahwā' (فحوى) is more appropriate. If you are discussing the 'significance' or 'indication' of a sign or symbol, 'dalāla' (دلالة) is the technical term used in linguistics and logic.

Comparison: Ma‘nā vs. Madmūn
'Ma‘nā' is the conceptual meaning; 'Madmūn' (مضمون) refers to the 'content' or 'substance' of a letter, book, or contract.

فهمت فحوى الرسالة لكن ليس كل الكلمات. (I understood the gist of the letter but not all the words.)

Another important alternative is 'maqsad' (مقصد), which refers to the 'goal' or 'intention' behind an action. While 'ma‘nā' is what the word says, 'maqsad' is why the person said it. In legal and religious scholarship, the 'maqāsid' (plural) are the higher objectives of the law. For 'interpretation,' you might use 'tafsīr' (explanation) or 'ta’wīl' (deeper allegorical interpretation). When you want to say something is 'significant' or 'important,' the adjective 'muhimm' is common, but 'dhū ma‘nā' (possessing meaning) is used for things that are meaningful in an emotional or spiritual sense.

Synonym Table
  • Qasd (قصد): Intent/Purpose.
  • Maghzā (مغزى): Moral/Significance (often of a story).
  • Jawhar (جوهر): Essence/Core meaning.

ما هو المغزى من هذه القصة؟ (What is the moral significance of this story?)

Fun Fact

The root ʿ-n-y also gives us '‘ināya' (care). This suggests that the 'meaning' of something is what you 'care' about or 'pay attention' to in a sentence.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈmaʕ.naː/
US /ˈmɑːʕ.nɑː/
The stress is typically on the first syllable: MA-na.
Rhymes With
مبنى (mabnā - building) مغنى (maghnā - song/wealth) أدنى (adnā - lower) أغنى (aghnā - richer) أسنى (asnā - higher) أثنى (athnā - praised) تمنى (tamannā - wished) عنى (‘anā - meant)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing it as 'ma-ni' (like the English word money).
  • Ignoring the 'ain' sound in the middle.
  • Making the final 'a' too short.
  • Confusing the final 'ى' (alif maqsura) with a 'yā' sound.
  • Adding a 't' at the end (like ma‘nat).
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Examples by Level

1

ما معنى هذه الكلمة؟

What is the meaning of this word?

Uses 'mā' (what) for nouns.

2

هذا المعنى سهل.

This meaning is easy.

Definite noun 'al-ma‘nā' acting as a subject.

3

أنا لا أعرف المعنى.

I don't know the meaning.

Negative 'lā' with verb 'a‘rif'.

4

هل المعنى واضح؟

Is the meaning clear?

Question particle 'hal'.

5

ما معنى اسمك؟

What is the meaning of your name?

Idafa construction: ma‘nā + ism.

6

هذا الكتاب له معنى جميل.

This book has a beautiful meaning.

Preposition 'li' (for/has).

7

كلمة 'بيت' لها معنى واحد.

The word 'Bayt' has one meaning.

Numerical agreement.

8

شكراً على المعنى.

Thanks for the meaning (explanation).

Preposition '‘alā'.

1

أعطني معنى آخر لهذه الكلمة.

Give me another meaning for this word.

Imperative 'a‘tinī' + adjective 'ākhar'.

2

فهمت المعنى الآن.

I understood the meaning now.

Past tense 'fahimtu'.

3

ما معنى هذا السؤال؟

What is the meaning of this question?

Idafa with a demonstrative.

4

هذه الجملة بدون معنى.

This sentence is without meaning.

Preposition 'bidūn' (without).

5

هل تعرف معنى 'الحرية'؟

Do you know the meaning of 'freedom'?

Direct object of 'ta‘rif'.

6

أحب معنى هذه القصيدة.

I like the meaning of this poem.

Verb 'uhibbu' + Idafa.

7

المعنى موجود في القاموس.

The meaning is found in the dictionary.

Passive participle 'mawjūd'.

8

تكلم بوضوح ليكون المعنى سهلاً.

Speak clearly so the meaning is easy.

Subjunctive 'li-yakūna'.

1

بمعنى آخر، نحن متأخرون.

In other words, we are late.

Transition phrase 'bi-ma‘nā ākhar'.

2

ما معنى الحياة بالنسبة لك؟

What is the meaning of life for you?

Prepositional phrase 'bi-nisba li'.

3

الكلمات لها معانٍ كثيرة.

Words have many meanings.

Indefinite plural 'ma‘ānin'.

4

هذا التصرف له معنى عميق.

This behavior has a deep meaning.

Adjective '‘amīq' (deep).

5

لا أجد معنى لهذا القرار.

I find no meaning (purpose) in this decision.

Verb 'ajid' (I find).

6

هل يمكنك شرح المعنى المقصود؟

Can you explain the intended meaning?

Adjective 'al-maqsūd' (intended).

7

القصة تحمل معنى إنسانياً.

The story carries a human meaning.

Verb 'tahmil' (carries).

8

تغير معنى الكلمة عبر الزمن.

The meaning of the word changed over time.

Verb 'taghayyara' (changed).

1

يجب التفريق بين المعنى الحرفي والمعنى المجازي.

One must distinguish between the literal meaning and the metaphorical meaning.

Masdar 'al-tafrīq' + adjectives.

2

كان كلامه مليئاً بالمعاني.

His speech was full of meanings (nuances).

Adjective 'mali'an' (full) + plural.

3

بمعنى ما، أنت على حق.

In a sense, you are right.

Phrase 'bi-ma‘nā mā' (in a certain sense).

4

ما هو المعنى الكامن وراء هذا النص؟

What is the underlying meaning behind this text?

Adjective 'al-kāmin' (underlying/hidden).

5

هذا المصطلح له معنى تقني دقيق.

This term has a precise technical meaning.

Adjective 'taqnī' (technical).

6

المعنى يتوقف على السياق.

Meaning depends on the context.

Verb 'yatawaqqaf' (depends).

7

لا معنى للاستمرار في هذا النقاش.

There is no point in continuing this discussion.

Phrase 'lā ma‘nā li...' (no point in...).

8

استخدم الكلمة بمعناها الصحيح.

Use the word in its correct sense.

Possessive suffix with preposition.

1

تعتبر دراسة المعنى ركيزة أساسية في اللسانيات.

The study of meaning is considered a fundamental pillar in linguistics.

Passive verb 'tu‘tabar'.

2

تتعدد المعاني بتعدد القراءات.

Meanings multiply with the multiplicity of readings.

Verb 'tata‘addad' (to be multiple).

3

هذا النص غني بالمعاني والدلالات.

This text is rich in meanings and significations.

Synonym pair: ma‘ānī and dalālāt.

4

يغوص الكاتب في معاني النفس البشرية.

The writer dives into the meanings (depths) of the human soul.

Metaphorical verb 'yaghūs' (dives).

5

المعنى هنا يتجاوز مجرد الكلمات.

The meaning here transcends mere words.

Verb 'yatajāwaz' (transcends).

6

هذه العبارة حمالة أوجه ولها أكثر من معنى.

This phrase is multifaceted and has more than one meaning.

Idiom 'hammālat awjuh'.

7

يجب مراعاة المعنى السياقي عند الترجمة.

Contextual meaning must be considered when translating.

Masdar 'murā‘āt' (considering).

8

بمعنى الكلمة، كان هذا إنجازاً تاريخياً.

In every sense of the word, this was a historical achievement.

Emphatic phrase 'bi-ma‘nā al-kalima'.

1

إشكالية المعنى تكمن في علاقة اللفظ بالذهن.

The problem of meaning lies in the relationship between the word and the mind.

Abstract noun 'ishkāliyya'.

2

يتناول علم المعاني في البلاغة أساليب الخبر والإنشاء.

The science of meanings in rhetoric deals with styles of statement and composition.

Technical term '‘Ilm al-Ma‘ānī'.

3

المعنى في بطن الشاعر.

The meaning is in the poet's belly (Only the poet knows the true intent).

Famous Arabic proverb/idiom.

4

يتحلل المعنى إلى عناصر دلالية صغرى.

Meaning is decomposed into minor semantic elements.

Scientific verb 'yatahallal'.

5

لا يمكن فصل المعنى عن السياق الثقافي والاجتماعي.

Meaning cannot be separated from the cultural and social context.

Passive construction 'lā yumkin fasl'.

6

استقصى الفلاسفة معاني الوجود منذ القدم.

Philosophers have investigated the meanings of existence since ancient times.

Verb 'istaqsā' (investigated thoroughly).

7

هناك بون شاسع بين اللفظ ومعناه في هذا السياق.

There is a vast gap between the word and its meaning in this context.

Phrase 'bawn shāsi‘' (vast gap).

8

المعنى يتولد من التفاعل بين النص والقارئ.

Meaning is generated from the interaction between the text and the reader.

Verb 'yatawallad' (is generated).

Common Collocations

معنى الكلمة
معنى الحياة
بمعنى آخر
المعنى الحرفي
المعنى المجازي
بدون معنى
معنى عميق
المعنى المقصود
بمعنى الكلمة
علم المعاني

Common Phrases

ما معنى...؟

— What is the meaning of...? The most common way to ask for a definition.

ما معنى 'سماء'؟

بمعنى أصح

— More accurately/To be more precise.

هو صديقي، أو بمعنى أصح، أخي.

ليس له معنى

— It is meaningless or pointless.

هذا الغضب ليس له معنى.

بمعنى ما

— In a sense / In a way.

بمعنى ما، نحن جميعاً غرباء.

في هذا المعنى

— In this sense / In this regard.

تحدثنا كثيراً في هذا المعنى.

يؤدي المعنى

— To convey the meaning effectively.

هذه الترجمة تؤدي المعنى.

يفتقر إلى المعنى

— To lack meaning or substance.

كلامه يفتقر إلى المعنى.

المعنى الحقيقي

— The real or true meaning.

ما المعنى الحقيقي للحب؟

بكل ما للكلمة من معنى

— With all that the word implies (emphatic).

كانت كارثة بكل ما للكلمة من معنى.

المعنى العام

— The general meaning or gist.

فهمت المعنى العام للنص.

Idioms & Expressions

"المعنى في بطن الشاعر"

— Literally 'the meaning is in the poet's belly.' Used when someone's intent is mysterious or only known to them.

لماذا فعل ذلك؟ المعنى في بطن الشاعر.

Literary/Common
"لا يسمن ولا يغني من جوع"

— While not using the word 'ma‘nā', it describes something 'meaningless' or 'useless' in a figurative sense.

هذا الحل لا يسمن ولا يغني من جوع.

Quranic/Formal
"بمعنى الكلمة"

— Used as an intensifier, like 'truly' or 'literally' in English.

هو رجل بمعنى الكلمة.

Neutral
"ضرب به عرض الحائط"

— To ignore the meaning or value of something completely.

ضرب بنصيحتي عرض الحائط.

Formal
"بين السطور"

— Reading between the lines (hidden meaning).

اقرأ المعنى بين السطور.

Neutral
"لا ناقة لي فيها ولا جمل"

— It has no meaning or relevance to me (I have no stake in it).

هذه المشكلة لا ناقة لي فيها ولا جمل.

Idiomatic
"على طرف لساني"

— The meaning/word is on the tip of my tongue.

الكلمة على طرف لساني.

Informal
"قلب المعنى"

— To twist the meaning or misinterpret on purpose.

لا تحاول قلب المعنى.

Neutral
"خارج السياق"

— Out of context (distorting the meaning).

كلامك خارج السياق.

Formal
"مجرد كلام"

— Just words (without real meaning or action).

وعوده مجرد كلام.

Informal

Word Family

Nouns

عناية (care)
عناء (hardship)
معنى (meaning)

Verbs

عنى (to mean)
اعتنى (to take care of)
عاني (to suffer)

Adjectives

معنوي (moral/spiritual)
معني (concerned/interested)

Related

قصد
دلالة
مفهوم
تفسير
إشارة
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ma' (What) + 'Na' (Know). 'What' do you 'Know' about this word? Its 'Ma-na' (meaning).

Visual Association

Imagine a dictionary (معنى) with a lightbulb (the idea) coming out of it.

Word Web

Linguistics Definition Context Intent Translation Significance Concept Deeper

Challenge

Try to ask for the meaning of five objects in your room using the phrase 'Mā ma‘nā...?' today.

Word Origin

From the Arabic root ʿ-n-y (ع-ن-ي), which primarily relates to the act of intending, purposing, or concerning oneself with something.

Original meaning: The original sense involves 'that which is intended' or 'that which concerns the mind.'

Semitic (Afroasiatic)

Cultural Context

In Arabic-speaking cultures, the 'ma‘nā' is often prioritized over the 'lafdh' (literal form). This is seen in poetry and religious interpretation, where the 'inner meaning' (al-ma‘nā al-bātinī) is considered the true essence. Misunderstandings are often resolved by clarifying one's 'ma‘nā' (intent). The word also appears in the names of books and sciences, such as 'Ma‘ānī al-Qur’ān' (The Meanings of the Qur’an). In social etiquette, being a 'man of meaning' implies depth and wisdom.

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