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مُتَمَاسِك

B1 adjective #6,500 most common 9 min read

مُتَمَاسِك

mutamasik Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips مُتَمَاسِك in 30 Seconds

Explanation مُتَمَاسِك in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'mutamaasik' as a way to say 'strong' or 'together' for a family. Imagine a family that always eats together and helps each other. They are 'mutamaasik.' It is like when you hold your hands together very tightly. You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet; just remember that 'mutamaasik' is a good thing for a family or a group of friends. It means they are a team and they don't break up. You might use it in a simple sentence like 'My family is mutamaasik.' This shows that you understand the basic idea of people being close to each other. Even at this early stage, knowing this word helps you describe relationships better than just saying 'good' or 'happy.' It's a special word for a special kind of closeness.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'mutamaasik' for more than just families. You can use it to describe a group of students working on a project or a small sports team. It means they are 'close-knit' or 'cohesive.' You should also learn the feminine form 'mutamaasika' (مُتَمَاسِكَة) for feminine words like 'a'ila' (family). At this level, you can start to see it in simple stories where a group of people has to stay together to solve a problem. It's an adjective, so it comes after the noun. If you say 'the team is mutamaasik,' you are saying they work well together and support each other. It's a step up from 'united' because it implies a deeper, more personal bond between the members.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'mutamaasik' in both social and abstract contexts. You can describe a 'cohesive argument' (حجة متماسكة) or a 'solid plan' (خطة متماسكة). This means the ideas in the argument or the steps in the plan all fit together perfectly and make sense. You also understand that it can describe someone's personality—specifically, someone who stays calm and 'together' during a difficult time. You should be comfortable using the word in its various forms (masculine, feminine, plural) and understanding how it functions as an active participle of the verb 'tamaasaka.' This is the level where the word becomes truly useful for expressing complex ideas about unity and structural integrity in your writing and speaking.

At the B2 level, 'mutamaasik' becomes a key term for discussing sociology, literature, and professional environments. You can use it to talk about 'social cohesion' (التماسك الاجتماعي) and how it affects the stability of a country. In literature, you might analyze whether a story's plot is 'mutamaasik' (well-constructed) or 'mutafakkik' (fragmented). You also start to use it in more formal writing, such as essays or reports, to describe a 'cohesive strategy' or a 'unified vision.' You understand the nuance between this word and its synonyms like 'mutarabit' (interconnected) or 'munsajim' (harmonious). Your usage should be precise, showing that you understand that 'mutamaasik' implies an internal strength that prevents a system from falling apart under external pressure.

At the C1 level, you use 'mutamaasik' with stylistic flair and precision. You can discuss the 'cohesion' of a philosophical system or the 'structural integrity' of a complex architectural design. You are aware of the word's root and how it relates to other concepts of 'holding' and 'restraint' in Arabic culture. You might use it to describe the 'tightness' of a poem's meter or the 'unbreakable' nature of a historical alliance. At this level, you also recognize the word in high-level academic texts and political speeches, where it is used to evoke a sense of permanence and reliability. You can use the word metaphorically to describe a 'cohesive identity' in a multicultural society, exploring the deep sociological implications of the term.

At the C2 level, 'mutamaasik' is a tool for masterful communication. You use it to navigate the most subtle nuances of Arabic expression. You might use it in a legal context to describe the 'integrity' of evidence or in a scientific context to describe 'molecular cohesion.' You are capable of using the word in sophisticated puns or rhetorical devices that play on its root meaning of 'holding.' Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but cultural and historical, recognizing how the concept of 'tamaasuk' (holding together) has been a central virtue in Arabic literature and ethics for centuries. You can switch between its physical, social, and abstract meanings effortlessly, using it to build complex, multi-layered arguments in any professional or academic field.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

مُتَمَاسِك in 30 Seconds

Mutamaasik means cohesive or solid, describing parts that hold together well.
It is commonly used for close-knit families and unified social groups.
It also describes logical consistency in writing, arguments, or plans.
Physically, it refers to materials that are dense and well-bonded.

The Arabic word مُتَمَاسِك (mutamāsik) is a versatile adjective derived from the root m-s-k (م-س-ك), which fundamentally relates to the act of holding, grasping, or seizing. However, in its Form VI active participle shape, it evolves into a concept of mutual grasping—where parts of a whole hold onto each other. This creates the meaning of 'cohesive,' 'solid,' or 'consistent.' When you describe something as مُتَمَاسِك, you are highlighting its internal strength and the fact that it does not fall apart easily under pressure, whether that pressure is physical, social, or intellectual.

Physical Context: In the physical world, it refers to materials that are dense and well-bonded. For instance, well-kneaded dough or a solid rock formation is described using this word. It implies that the particles are tightly packed and inseparable.

إنَّ هَذَا البِنَاءَ مُتَمَاسِكٌ جِدًّا رَغْمَ قِدَمِهِ.

Translation: This building is very solid despite its age.

Social Context: This is perhaps the most common usage in modern Arabic. It describes a 'close-knit' family (عائلة متماسكة) or a 'unified' society (مجتمع متماسك). It suggests that the members support one another and share a common bond that prevents the group from fracturing.

نَحْنُ نَعِيشُ فِي حَيٍّ مُتَمَاسِكٍ حَيْثُ يَعْرِفُ الجَمِيعُ بَعْضَهُمْ.

Translation: We live in a close-knit neighborhood where everyone knows each other.

Intellectual Context: When discussing a book, a theory, or a legal argument, مُتَمَاسِك means 'coherent' or 'logically sound.' It indicates that the ideas follow one another logically without contradictions.

قَدَّمَ المُحَامِي حُجَّةً مُتَمَاسِكَةً أَمَامَ القَاضِي.

Translation: The lawyer presented a coherent argument before the judge.

In a broader sense, the term is used in psychology to describe someone who remains 'composed' or 'self-possessed' during a crisis. If a person does not break down emotionally, they are said to be مُتَمَاسِك. This variety of meanings—from physical glue to emotional resilience—makes it a cornerstone of intermediate and advanced Arabic vocabulary. Understanding this word allows you to describe everything from the texture of a cake to the political stability of a nation. It is often paired with nouns like 'نص' (text), 'خطة' (plan), and 'شخصية' (personality), showing that the concept of 'holding together' is a universal virtue in Arabic thought. Whether you are analyzing a poem's structure or discussing the importance of family values, this word provides the necessary depth to express how the components of a system interact to create a strong, inseparable whole.

Using مُتَمَاسِك correctly requires paying attention to its gender and number, as it is an adjective. It follows the noun it describes and matches it in definiteness, gender, and case. Because it is a Form VI active participle, it has a very rhythmic feel that adds a level of sophistication to your speech. When you use it to describe a group of people, it emphasizes their collective strength rather than their individual traits.

Describing Groups (Plural): When describing a plural group, the adjective takes the sound masculine plural ending (-ūn/-īn) or the feminine plural (-āt). For example, 'The players are cohesive' would be 'اللاعبون متماسكون'.

يَجِبُ أَنْ نَكُونَ مُتَمَاسِكِينَ فِي وَجْهِ الصِّعَابِ.

Translation: We must be cohesive (stay together) in the face of difficulties.

Describing Abstract Ideas: When describing an abstract concept like a 'story' or a 'strategy,' the feminine singular form مُتَمَاسِكَة is frequently used because many abstract nouns in Arabic are feminine.

رِوَايَتُكَ لَهَا حَبْكَةٌ مُتَمَاسِكَةٌ جِدًّا.

Translation: Your novel has a very cohesive plot.

The Negative Form: To say something is 'incoherent' or 'fragmented,' you can use 'ghayr' (غير) before the adjective: 'ghayr mutamaasik' (غير متماسك).

لِلأَسَفِ، كَانَ التَّقْرِيرُ غَيْرَ مُتَمَاسِكٍ.

Translation: Unfortunately, the report was incoherent.

Furthermore, in the context of personality and psychology, you might describe someone who is grieving but remains composed. This usage is highly respected in Arab culture, where 'sabr' (patience) and 'tamaasuk' (composure) are seen as signs of a strong character. For example, 'بقي متماسكاً رغم الحزن' (He remained composed despite the sadness). This application shows that the word isn't just about things being stuck together, but about the internal force that prevents a person or a thing from falling apart. In professional settings, a 'cohesive team' (فريق متماسك) is the gold standard for success. By using this word, you communicate that the team doesn't just work together, but they are inextricably linked in their goals and loyalty. It is a powerful word that spans the gap between the physical and the metaphysical, making it an essential tool for any fluent speaker.

You will encounter مُتَمَاسِك in a wide variety of domains, ranging from evening news broadcasts to literary critiques and everyday conversations about family. It is a word that bridges the gap between formal Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and educated spoken dialects. Because it carries such a specific meaning of 'integrity through unity,' it is a favorite for journalists and politicians.

In News and Media: News anchors often use it when discussing national unity or the stability of a coalition. If a government is facing a crisis but its members are still supporting the leader, they are described as a 'cohesive front.'

أَكَّدَ الرَّئِيسُ عَلَى ضَرُورَةِ بَقَاءِ الجَيْشِ مُتَمَاسِكاً.

Translation: The President emphasized the necessity of the army remaining cohesive.

In Literature and Art: Critics use this word to describe the 'unity' of a work of art. If a poem's verses all serve a single theme perfectly, the poem is 'mutamaasik.' If a painting’s colors and shapes work together, it is also 'mutamaasik.'

هَذِهِ القَصِيدَةُ بِنَاؤُهَا الفَنِّيُّ مُتَمَاسِكٌ.

Translation: This poem's artistic structure is cohesive.

In Science and Materials: In textbooks, you'll see this word describing the state of matter. Solids are more 'mutamaasik' than liquids because their molecules hold together more tightly.

تُصْبِحُ التُّرْبَةُ مُتَمَاسِكَةً بَعْدَ هُطُولِ المَطَرِ.

Translation: The soil becomes cohesive after the rainfall.

You might also hear this word in sports commentary. When a football team defends well and doesn't allow the opponent to find gaps, the commentator will praise their 'cohesive defense' (دفاع متماسك). In business, a manager might speak about a 'cohesive strategy' (استراتيجية متماسكة) that aligns all departments toward a single goal. Essentially, wherever there is a need to talk about parts forming a strong, unified whole, مُتَمَاسِك is the word of choice. It conveys a sense of reliability and strength that is highly valued in both professional and personal spheres. If you are watching an Arabic talk show and the host is interviewing a social scientist, you will almost certainly hear this word used to describe the 'social fabric' (النسيج الاجتماعي) of a community. It is a word of stability in a world of change.

While مُتَمَاسِك is a straightforward adjective, learners often make a few key errors in its application or confusion with related roots. Understanding these pitfalls will help you use the word with the precision of a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Mask' (Holding): Many learners confuse the adjective 'mutamaasik' with the simple act of holding something (maasik). While 'maasik' means 'someone who is holding an object,' 'mutamaasik' means the object itself is 'holding together' or 'cohesive.' You wouldn't say a person holding a pen is 'mutamaasik' unless you meant they were emotionally composed.

الخَطَأ: هُوَ مُتَمَاسِكٌ بِالقَلَمِ. (الصَّوَاب: هُوَ مَاسِكٌ بِالقَلَمِ)

Translation: Wrong: He is cohesive with the pen. (Right: He is holding the pen.)

Mistake 2: Overusing it for 'Strong': Learners often use 'mutamaasik' when they simply mean 'qawi' (strong). While a cohesive thing is often strong, 'mutamaasik' specifically refers to the *unity* of parts. A single solid iron bar is 'qawi,' but a wall made of many bricks that stays together is 'mutamaasik.'

الخَطَأ: هَذَا الرَّجُلُ مُتَمَاسِكٌ جِسْمَانِيًّا. (الصَّوَاب: هَذَا الرَّجُلُ قَوِيٌّ جِسْمَانِيًّا)

Translation: Wrong: This man is physically cohesive. (Right: This man is physically strong.)

Mistake 3: Gender Agreement Errors: Because the word is somewhat long, learners sometimes forget to add the 'ta marbuta' (ة) when describing feminine nouns like 'عائلة' (family) or 'حجة' (argument).

الخَطَأ: هَذِهِ عِيَالَة مُتَمَاسِك. (الصَّوَاب: هَذِهِ عِيَالَة مُتَمَاسِكَة)

Translation: Wrong: This is a cohesive family (masc adj). (Right: This is a cohesive family (fem adj).)

Another subtle mistake is using 'mutamaasik' to mean 'sticky.' While a sticky substance holds things together, the word for sticky is 'lazij' (لزج). 'Mutamaasik' is about structural integrity, not surface adhesion. Finally, be careful with the plural forms. If you are talking about inanimate plurals (like 'theories' or 'buildings'), the adjective should be feminine singular: 'nadhariyat mutamaasika' (cohesive theories). If you are talking about people, use the masculine plural: 'nas mutamaasikun' (cohesive people). Mastering these nuances will ensure that your use of the word sounds natural and precise, reflecting a deep understanding of Arabic logic and grammar.

Arabic is a language of nuances. While مُتَمَاسِك is the primary word for 'cohesive,' several other words occupy similar semantic space. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to emphasize unity, strength, connection, or harmony.

Mutamaasik vs. Mutarabit (مترابط): 'Mutamaasik' implies a solid, inseparable unit. 'Mutarabit' (interconnected) implies that parts are linked by a bond, like a chain. You use 'mutamaasik' for a family that acts as one, and 'mutarabit' for a network of ideas.

Mutamaasik vs. Muttahid (متحد): 'Muttahid' means 'united' in a political or formal sense (like the United Nations). 'Mutamaasik' is more about the internal quality of the bond. A united group might not be cohesive if they are only together for a temporary goal.

العَرَبُ مُتَّحِدُونَ سِيَاسِيًّا وَلَكِنْ لَيْسُوا دَائِمًا مُتَمَاسِكِينَ.

Translation: Arabs are united politically but not always cohesive.

Mutamaasik vs. Munsajim (منسجم): 'Munsajim' means 'harmonious' or 'consistent.' It is often used for music, colors, or personality traits that fit well together. While 'mutamaasik' is about strength and unity, 'munsajim' is about the beauty of the fit.

Mutamaasik vs. Sulb (صلب): 'Sulb' means 'solid' or 'hard.' It describes the physical hardness of an object (like steel). 'Mutamaasik' describes the quality of the parts staying together. You can have a cohesive group of soft pillows, but they aren't 'sulb.'

نَحْتَاجُ إِلَى جَبْهَةٍ مُتَمَاسِكَةٍ لِمُوَاجَهَةِ التَّحَدِّيَاتِ.

Translation: We need a cohesive front to face the challenges.

In summary, use مُتَمَاسِك when you want to emphasize that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts because of how well they hold together. Use 'mutarabit' for logic and links, 'munsajim' for beauty and harmony, and 'muttahid' for formal alliances. In the realm of emotional resilience, you might also hear the word 'sabir' (patient), but 'mutamaasik' specifically describes the outward appearance of not falling apart. For example, 'He was patient (sabir) and remained composed (mutamaasik).' By learning these distinctions, you can tailor your Arabic to be much more descriptive and accurate in various social and professional contexts.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The same root is used for 'Imsak' (إمساك), which is the time during Ramadan when Muslims stop eating and 'hold back' from food.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mu.ta.maː.sik/

US /mu.tə.mɑː.sɪk/

The primary stress is on the long syllable 'maa' (مَا).

Rhymes With

مُتَمَاسِك (mutamaasik) مُتَهَالِك (mutahaalik - falling apart) مُتَشَابِك (mutashaabik - intertwined) مَسَالِك (masaalik - paths) مَمَالِك (mamaalik - kingdoms) مَهَالِك (mahaalik - perils) مُتَبَارِك (mutabaarik - blessed) مُتَشَارِك (mutashaarik - participating)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'u' too long like 'moo'. It should be a short 'u'.
Shortening the 'maa' syllable. The 'alif' must be held for two beats.
Changing the 's' to a 'z' sound.
Swapping the order of consonants (e.g., mutasaamik).
Failing to pronounce the 'k' clearly at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is long but follows a standard Form VI pattern which is recognizable to intermediate students.

Writing 4/5

Spelling the long vowels correctly (alif and ya) requires attention.

Speaking 3/5

The rhythm is pleasant and easy to pronounce once the stress on 'maa' is mastered.

Listening 3/5

Clear consonants make it easy to distinguish in most dialects.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

مَسَكَ قَوِي عَائِلَة فَرِيق جِدّاً

Learn Next

تَرَابُط اِنْسِجَام تَحَالُف هَيْكَل مَنْطِق

Advanced

عَصَبِيَّة لُحْمَة تَضَافُر اِعْتِصَام تَآزُر

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

العائلة (fem) متماسكة (fem).

Form VI Active Participle

تَفَاعَلَ -> مُتَفَاعِل (مُتَمَاسِك).

Negative with 'Ghayr'

خطة غيرُ متماسكةٍ (Ghayr takes the case, noun becomes genitive).

Inanimate Plurals

الخطط (plural) متماسكة (singular feminine).

Active Participle as Predicate

الطلابُ متماسكونَ (The students are cohesive).

Examples by Level

عَائِلَتِي مُتَمَاسِكَةٌ جِدًّا.

My family is very cohesive.

Feminine singular adjective matching 'a'ila'.

نَحْنُ فَرِيقٌ مُتَمَاسِكٌ.

We are a cohesive team.

Masculine singular adjective matching 'fariq'.

أَصْدِقَائِي مُتَمَاسِكُونَ.

My friends are cohesive (stay together).

Masculine plural adjective matching 'asdiqa'.

هَذَا الخُبْزُ مُتَمَاسِكٌ.

This bread is solid/firm.

Physical usage for texture.

البَيْتُ مُتَمَاسِكٌ.

The house is solid.

Simple subject-adjective sentence.

كُنْ مُتَمَاسِكاً!

Stay strong/together!

Imperative context with 'kun' (be).

هِيَ بِنْتٌ مُتَمَاسِكَةٌ.

She is a composed/strong girl.

Feminine singular adjective.

المَدْرَسَةُ مُتَمَاسِكَةٌ.

The school is cohesive (unified).

Describing an institution.

الجِيرَانُ فِي هَذَا الشَّارِعِ مُتَمَاسِكُونَ.

The neighbors on this street are close-knit.

Plural agreement.

العَجِينَةُ يَجِبُ أَنْ تَكُونَ مُتَمَاسِكَةً.

The dough must be cohesive.

Physical texture context.

هَذِهِ القِصَّةُ مُتَمَاسِكَةٌ وَجَمِيلَةٌ.

This story is cohesive and beautiful.

Describing a narrative.

الفَصْلُ مُتَمَاسِكٌ فِي الدِّرَاسَةِ.

The class is cohesive in studying.

Social cohesion in a group.

هَلْ أَنْتُمْ مُتَمَاسِكُونَ كَفَرِيقٍ؟

Are you (plural) cohesive as a team?

Question form with plural.

الجِدَارُ القَدِيمُ مَا زَالَ مُتَمَاسِكاً.

The old wall is still solid.

Using 'ma zaala' (still).

نُرِيدُ بِنَاءَ مُجْتَمَعٍ مُتَمَاسِكٍ.

We want to build a cohesive society.

Genitive case (idafa/na't).

أُحِبُّ المَجْمُوعَاتِ المُتَمَاسِكَةَ.

I like cohesive groups.

Feminine plural noun with feminine singular adjective.

قَدَّمَ الطَّالِبُ عَرْضاً مُتَمَاسِكاً.

The student gave a cohesive presentation.

Describing logical flow.

بَقِيَ الرَّجُلُ مُتَمَاسِكاً بَعْدَ الحَادِثِ.

The man remained composed after the accident.

Emotional resilience context.

هَذِهِ الخُطَّةُ غَيْرُ مُتَمَاسِكَةٍ.

This plan is not cohesive.

Negative form using 'ghayr'.

يَحْتَاجُ المَشْرُوعُ إِلَى إِدَارَةٍ مُتَمَاسِكَةٍ.

The project needs cohesive management.

Professional context.

نَجَحَ الفَرِيقُ لِأَنَّهُ كَانَ مُتَمَاسِكاً.

The team succeeded because it was cohesive.

Causal sentence.

الحُجَّةُ الَّتِي ذَكَرْتَهَا غَيْرُ مُتَمَاسِكَةٍ مَنْطِقِيّاً.

The argument you mentioned is logically incoherent.

Adverbial qualification (man-ti-qiyyan).

تَعْتَمِدُ الدَّوْلَةُ عَلَى جَيْشٍ مُتَمَاسِكٍ.

The state relies on a cohesive army.

Political/Military context.

هَذَا النَّصُّ الأَدَبِيُّ مُتَمَاسِكُ البِنَاءِ.

This literary text is cohesive in structure.

Idafa structure for specification.

يُعَدُّ التَّمَاسُكُ الاِجْتِمَاعِيُّ أَسَاسَ الاِسْتِقْرَارِ.

Social cohesion is considered the basis of stability.

Using the noun form 'tamaasuk'.

كَانَتْ رُؤْيَةُ الشَّرِكَةِ مُتَمَاسِكَةً وَطَمُوحَةً.

The company's vision was cohesive and ambitious.

Business strategy context.

ظَهَرَ الفَنَّانُ مُتَمَاسِكاً أَمَامَ النُّقَّادِ.

The artist appeared composed before the critics.

Public appearance context.

لَا بُدَّ مِنْ وُجُودِ نِظَامٍ قَانُونِيٍّ مُتَمَاسِكٍ.

There must be a cohesive legal system.

Legal/Social context.

تَمَيَّزَ العَمَلُ بِحَبْكَةٍ دِرَامِيَّةٍ مُتَمَاسِكَةٍ.

The work was characterized by a cohesive dramatic plot.

Literary criticism.

الصَّخْرَةُ مُتَمَاسِكَةٌ بِفَعْلِ الضَّغْطِ الشَّدِيدِ.

The rock is cohesive due to intense pressure.

Scientific/Geological context.

يَجِبُ أَنْ تَكُونَ الرِّسَالَةُ الإِعْلَامِيَّةُ مُتَمَاسِكَةً.

The media message must be cohesive.

Communication context.

أَثْبَتَ الشَّعْبُ أَنَّهُ كُتْلَةٌ مُتَمَاسِكَةٌ.

The people proved they are a cohesive mass (unit).

Metaphorical usage.

تَفْتَقِرُ النَّظَرِيَّةُ إِلَى إِطَارٍ فَلْسَفِيٍّ مُتَمَاسِكٍ.

The theory lacks a cohesive philosophical framework.

Academic critique.

يُؤَدِّي غِيَابُ القِيَادَةِ إِلَى جَيْشٍ غَيْرِ مُتَمَاسِكٍ.

The absence of leadership leads to an incoherent army.

Political science context.

تَمَتَّعَ الخِطَابُ بِبِنْيَةٍ لُغَوِيَّةٍ مُتَمَاسِكَةٍ لِلْغَايَةِ.

The speech possessed an extremely cohesive linguistic structure.

Rhetorical analysis.

العِلاَقَةُ بَيْنَ السَّبَبِ وَالنَّتِيجَةِ كَانَتْ مُتَمَاسِكَةً.

The relationship between cause and effect was cohesive.

Logic and philosophy.

هَذَا النَّسِيجُ العُمْرَانِيُّ مُتَمَاسِكٌ وَمُتَنَاغِمٌ.

This urban fabric is cohesive and harmonious.

Architecture and urban planning.

يُحَافِظُ هَذَا المُرَكَّبُ الكِيمْيَائِيُّ عَلَى جُزَيْئَاتٍ مُتَمَاسِكَةٍ.

This chemical compound maintains cohesive molecules.

Chemistry context.

نَحْتَاجُ إِلَى جَبْهَةٍ دَاخِلِيَّةٍ مُتَمَاسِكَةٍ لِمُوَاجَهَةِ الأَزَمَاتِ.

We need a cohesive internal front to face crises.

National security context.

كَانَ أَدَاؤُهُ المَسْرَحِيُّ مُتَمَاسِكاً مِنْ البِدَايَةِ لِلنِّهَايَةِ.

His theatrical performance was cohesive from beginning to end.

Performance arts context.

تَتَجَلَّى عَبْقَرِيَّةُ الكَاتِبِ فِي خَلْقِ عَالَمٍ مُتَمَاسِكٍ ذَاتِيّاً.

The writer's genius is evident in creating a self-cohesive world.

Literary theory (Internal consistency).

إنَّ التَّمَاسُكَ المَنْطِقِيَّ هُوَ مِعْيَارُ صِحَّةِ البُرْهَانِ.

Logical cohesion is the criterion for the validity of the proof.

Formal logic.

تُعَانِي المُجْتَمَعَاتُ الحَدِيثَةُ مِنْ تَرَاجُعِ التَّمَاسُكِ العُضْوِيِّ.

Modern societies suffer from a decline in organic cohesion.

Sociological terminology (Durkheimian).

يَعْمَلُ الغِرَاءُ عَلَى جَعْلِ جُزَيْئَاتِ المَادَّةِ مُتَمَاسِكَةً تَمَاماً.

The glue works to make the particles of the substance completely cohesive.

Technical/Scientific description.

كَانَ لِزَاماً عَلَيْهِ الحِفَاظُ عَلَى مَوْقِفٍ سِيَاسِيٍّ مُتَمَاسِكٍ.

It was incumbent upon him to maintain a cohesive political stance.

Diplomatic/Political nuance.

النَّظْمُ القُرْآنِيُّ يَمْتَازُ بِأَنَّهُ بِنَاءٌ مُتَمَاسِكٌ لَا يَعْتَرِيهِ الخَلَلُ.

The Quranic composition is characterized by being a cohesive structure that is free of flaws.

Theological/Linguistic analysis.

تَسْعَى الدِّبْلُومَاسِيَّةُ إِلَى خَلْقِ تَحَالُفٍ دُوَلِيٍّ مُتَمَاسِكٍ.

Diplomacy seeks to create a cohesive international alliance.

International relations.

يَعْكِسُ هَذَا القَرَارُ رُؤْيَةً اِسْتِرَاتِيجِيَّةً مُتَمَاسِكَةً لِلْمُسْتَقْبَلِ.

This decision reflects a cohesive strategic vision for the future.

Executive decision making.

Synonyms

مترابط متحد قوي متلاحم

Antonyms

مفكك منهار

Common Collocations

عَائِلَة مُتَمَاسِكَة

مُجْتَمَع مُتَمَاسِك

حُجَّة مُتَمَاسِكَة

نَصّ مُتَمَاسِك

فَرِيق مُتَمَاسِك

بِنَاء مُتَمَاسِك

خُطَّة مُتَمَاسِكَة

شَخْصِيَّة مُتَمَاسِكَة

تَمَاسُك اِجْتِمَاعِيّ

جَبْهَة مُتَمَاسِكَة

Common Phrases

بَقِيَ مُتَمَاسِكاً

— He remained composed or held his ground. Used during emotional or physical stress.

بقي متماسكاً رغم وفاة والده.

غَيْر مُتَمَاسِك

— Incoherent or falling apart. Used for texts, objects, or groups.

كان كلامه غير متماسك بسبب الخوف.

كُتْلَة مُتَمَاسِكَة

— A solid mass or a unified block of people.

وقف المتظاهرون ككتلة متماسكة.

بِنْيَة مُتَمَاسِكَة

— A cohesive structure. Used in architecture, linguistics, or biology.

هذا الكتاب له بنية متماسكة.

نَسِيج مُتَمَاسِك

— A cohesive fabric (usually metaphorical for society).

النسيج الاجتماعي المتماسك يحمي الوطن.

رُؤْيَة مُتَمَاسِكَة

— A cohesive vision. Used in leadership and planning.

نحتاج إلى رؤية متماسكة للمستقبل.

نِظَام مُتَمَاسِك

— A cohesive system. Used in engineering or law.

هذا نظام أمني متماسك.

قِيَادَة مُتَمَاسِكَة

— Cohesive leadership.

القيادة المتماسكة هي سر النجاح.

حَلَقَة مُتَمَاسِكَة

— A cohesive circle (group of people).

هم حلقة متماسكة من العلماء.

أَرْضِيَّة مُتَمَاسِكَة

— Solid ground (often metaphorical for a base of support).

يقف المشروع على أرضية متماسكة.

Often Confused With

مُتَمَاسِك vs مَاسِك

Maasik means 'holding an object' physically; Mutamaasik means 'cohesive' or 'holding together'.

مُتَمَاسِك vs مُتَمَسِّك

Mutamassik means 'clinging to' or 'adhering to' (e.g., a belief); Mutamaasik means the whole thing stays together.

مُتَمَاسِك vs مُمْسِك

Mumsik can mean 'holding' or 'stingy/cheap'; Mutamaasik is purely about cohesion.

Idioms & Expressions

"يَدٌ وَاحِدَة"

— One hand. While not using the word 'mutamaasik', it describes the state of being cohesive.

نحن يد واحدة في هذا العمل.

Informal/Common

"عَلَى قَلْبِ رَجُلٍ وَاحِد"

— On the heart of one man. Describes a group that is perfectly cohesive in intent.

خرج الناس على قلب رجل واحد.

Formal/Literary

"البُنْيَان المَرْصُوص"

— The solid structure. A Quranic allusion to a cohesive group.

المؤمنون كالبنيان المرصوص.

Religious/Formal

"لَا تَنْفَصِمُ لَهُ عُرْوَة"

— An unbreakable bond. Describes something perfectly cohesive.

بيننا صداقة لا تنفصم لها عروة.

Literary

"حَبْل المَوَدَّة"

— The rope of affection. Used to describe family/social cohesion.

حافظوا على حبل المودة متماسكاً.

Literary

"وَحَّدَ الصُّفُوف"

— To unify the ranks. The act of making a group mutamaasik.

الهدف المشترك وحد الصفوف.

Formal/Political

"عَصِيٌّ عَلَى الكَسْر"

— Hard to break. Often used for cohesive groups.

هذا الشعب عصي على الكسر.

Literary/Political

"لُحْمَة وَاحِدَة"

— One 'warp' (as in weaving). Describes a single, cohesive social fabric.

الوطن كله لحمة واحدة.

Formal/Literary

"مَوْقِف لَا يَتَزَحْزَح"

— An unshakable position. Implies a cohesive, firm stance.

له موقف لا يتزحزح من القضية.

Formal

"شَدَّ أَزْرَهُ"

— To strengthen someone's back. To contribute to the cohesion/strength of another.

جاء أخوه ليشد أزره.

Literary

Easily Confused

مُتَمَاسِك vs مُتَرَابِط

Both mean 'connected'.

Mutamaasik is a solid unit; Mutarabit is a chain of links.

عائلة متماسكة vs أفكار مترابطة.

مُتَمَاسِك vs مُتَّحِد

Both mean 'united'.

Muttahid is formal/political; Mutamaasik is internal/structural.

الولايات المتحدة vs فريق متماسك.

مُتَمَاسِك vs مُنْسَجِم

Both imply things fitting well.

Munsajim is about harmony/beauty; Mutamaasik is about strength/unity.

ألوان منسجمة vs بناء متماسك.

مُتَمَاسِك vs قَوِي

Cohesive things are usually strong.

Qawi is general strength; Mutamaasik is strength from unity.

رجل قوي vs عائلة متماسكة.

مُتَمَاسِك vs صَلْب

Both can describe solids.

Sulb is about hardness; Mutamaasik is about parts staying together.

حديد صلب vs طين متماسك.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] [Adjective]

العائلة متماسكة.

نحن [Noun] [Adjective]

نحن فريق متماسك.

بقي [Subject] [Adjective]

بقي الجندي متماسكاً.

يُعد [Subject] [Adjective]

يُعد المجتمع متماسكاً.

يفتقر [Subject] إلى [Noun] [Adjective]

يفتقر البحث إلى إطار متماسك.

يتجلى [Subject] في [Noun] [Adjective]

يتجلى الإبداع في بناء متماسك.

هذا [Noun] غير [Adjective]

هذا الكلام غير متماسك.

بفضل [Noun] [Adjective]...

بفضل القيادة المتماسكة نجحنا.

Word Family

Nouns

تَمَاسُك Cohesion / Unity

مِسَاك Something used for holding

إِمْسَاك Holding / Constipation / Fasting start

Verbs

تَمَاسَكَ To hold together / To stay composed

أَمْسَكَ To catch / To hold

مَسَكَ To grab

Adjectives

مُتَمَاسِك Cohesive

مُمْسِك Holding / Stingy

مَمْسُوك Held / Caught

تَمَاسُكِيّ (cohesional)

مَاسِك (holder/clip)

تَمَسُّك (adherence/clinging)

مُسْتَمْسِك (adhering to)

إِمْسَاكِيَّة (fasting timetable)

How to Use It

frequency

High in media and academic writing; Moderate in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'mutamaasik' for 'holding a pen'. → Using 'maasik'.
'Mutamaasik' means cohesive; 'maasik' means holding something.
Forgetting the 'ة' for 'عائلة'. → عائلة متماسكة.
Adjectives must match the gender of the noun they describe.
Using it to mean 'sticky'. → لزج (lazij).
'Mutamaasik' is about structural integrity, not surface stickiness.
Using it for 'physical strength' of a person. → قوي (qawi).
'Mutamaasik' for people refers to their emotional composure, not their muscles.
Pluralizing it for inanimate objects. → خطط متماسكة (Singular Fem).
Non-human plurals take a feminine singular adjective in Arabic.

Tips

Check the Gender

Always remember to add 'a' (ة) if you are describing feminine words like 'a'ila' (family). It's a common mistake for beginners.

Use it for Plans

When presenting a project, describe your plan as 'mutamaasika' to show that you have thought through all the details.

Emotional Resilience

Use it to describe someone who is brave during a hard time. It sounds very respectful and sophisticated.

Logical Flow

In essays, use it to describe a paragraph or a conclusion that ties everything together perfectly.

Complimenting Families

If you want to impress an Arab host, tell them their family is 'mutamaasika'. It is a high-level compliment.

News Keywords

In political news, listen for this word to understand if a coalition or a government is stable or not.

The Long Alif

Make sure to stretch the 'maa' sound. If you say it too fast, it might sound like a different word.

The Sticky Note

Imagine a sticky note that actually works and holds many papers together. That note is 'mutamaasik'.

Business Teams

Use it in interviews to describe how you like to work in a 'cohesive team'.

Noun vs Adjective

Learn 'tamaasuk' (the noun) alongside 'mutamaasik' (the adjective) to double your vocabulary power.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'MUTual' and 'MASK'. When people wear a 'MUTual' bond, they are 'MUTAMAASIK' (holding together). Or, think of 'MAASIK' as 'Mastering' the art of staying together.

Visual Association

Imagine a bundle of sticks tied together with a strong rope. They are no longer individual sticks; they are a 'mutamaasik' bundle that cannot be broken.

Word Web

مُتَمَاسِك (Cohesive) عَائِلَة (Family) قَوِي (Strong) مَنْطِق (Logic) بِنَاء (Building) وَحْدَة (Unity) تَمَاسُك (Cohesion) مُجْتَمَع (Society)

Challenge

Try to use 'mutamaasik' in three different ways today: once for your food (like yogurt or bread), once for a friend's argument, and once for a group you belong to.

Word Origin

From the Arabic root M-S-K (م س ك), which relates to the physical act of grasping or holding onto something. This is a very ancient Semitic root.

Original meaning: To hold or seize with the hand.

Semitic / Afroasiatic

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but be careful not to use it for an individual's physical body in a way that sounds like you are calling them 'dense' in a negative sense.

In English, we might use 'close-knit' for families or 'coherent' for arguments. Arabic uses 'mutamaasik' for both, showing a unified concept of 'holding together'.

Ibn Khaldun's Muqaddimah (Social Cohesion theory). The Quranic verse 'Hold fast to the rope of Allah' (وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ). Modern Arabic national anthems often mention unity and cohesion.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family and Social Life

عائلة متماسكة
مجتمع متماسك
روابط متماسكة
بيت متماسك

Logic and Academic Writing

حجة متماسكة
نص متماسك
نظرية متماسكة
منطق متماسك

Physics and Materials

مادة متماسكة
تربة متماسكة
جزيئات متماسكة
بناء متماسك

Business and Management

فريق متماسك
خطة متماسكة
إدارة متماسكة
رؤية متماسكة

Psychology and Emotions

بقي متماسكاً
شخصية متماسكة
أعصاب متماسكة
موقف متماسك

Conversation Starters

"هل تعتقد أن العائلات في بلدك متماسكة؟"

"ما هو سر نجاح الفريق المتماسك في رأيك؟"

"كيف يمكننا بناء مجتمع أكثر تماسكاً؟"

"هل تفضل قراءة الكتب التي لها حبكة متماسكة ومعقدة؟"

"كيف تبقى متماسكاً عندما تواجه مشكلة كبيرة؟"

Journal Prompts

صف عائلتك واستخدم كلمة 'متماسكة'. لماذا تراها كذلك؟

اكتب عن وقت اضطررت فيه للبقاء متماسكاً رغم الحزن أو الخوف.

ناقش أهمية التماسك الاجتماعي في مواجهة الكوارث الطبيعية.

حلل نصاً قرأته مؤخراً: هل كان متماسكاً أم مشتتاً؟ ولماذا؟

تخيل فريقاً رياضياً مثالياً؛ كيف يظهر تماسكهم في الملعب؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but only to describe their emotional state (composed) or their character (consistent). You wouldn't use it to say someone is physically 'stuck together' unless you were joking. For example, 'بقي متماسكاً في الجنازة' (He remained composed at the funeral).

Yes, it is widely understood in most Arabic dialects, though it sounds slightly more formal than words like 'mrabat' (tied). In Egyptian or Levantine, you might hear it used to describe a good sauce or dough that isn't runny.

The most direct opposite is 'mutafakkik' (مُتَفَكِّك), which means fragmented or falling apart. You can also use 'ghayr mutamaasik' (غير متماسك) to negate it directly.

The best phrase is 'مجموعة متماسكة' (majmu'a mutamaasika). This is the standard way to express that a group is very tight and supportive.

Yes, it is very common in construction and science. It describes soil, cement, or any substance where the particles hold together firmly.

Absolutely. A 'حجة متماسكة' (cohesive argument) is one that has no logical gaps and flows perfectly from one point to the next.

Think of 'mutamaasik' as a solid brick and 'mutarabit' as a chain. One is a single unit; the other is a series of connections.

While not a religious term itself, it is used in religious contexts to describe the unity of the 'Ummah' (community) or the structure of the Quran.

The term is 'التماسك الاجتماعي' (al-tamaasuk al-ijtimaa'i). It is a very common term in sociology and news.

The stress is on the third syllable 'maa' (mu-ta-MAA-sik).