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A1 noun 8 min read

نور

nur
Examples Notes & Tips نور in 30 Seconds
Explanation نور in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'Noor' is a fundamental noun you should learn early on. It simply means 'light.' You will use it to describe basic things like the light in a room or the sunlight. It is also essential for the common greeting 'Sabah al-Noor.' At this stage, don't worry about the spiritual nuances; just focus on identifying 'Noor' as the opposite of 'Zalam' (darkness). You will see it in simple sentences like 'The light is beautiful' or 'Turn on the light.' It's a masculine noun, so it goes with masculine adjectives. It's also a very common name, so you might meet people named Noor or Anwar. Learning this word helps you navigate daily conversations about your environment and participate in basic social etiquette.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'Noor' in more descriptive ways. You might use it in 'Idafa' constructions like 'Noor al-shams' (sunlight) or 'Noor al-qamar' (moonlight). You start to distinguish between 'Noor' and 'Dau',' understanding that 'Noor' is often softer. You can use it to describe people's appearances—for example, saying someone has a 'bright' face. You will also encounter the plural form 'Anwar' (lights) when talking about city lights or multiple lamps. At this level, you should be comfortable using 'Noor' in simple past and future sentences, such as 'I saw the light' or 'The light will be bright.' You also learn the verb 'Nawwara' (to illuminate or to light up), which is derived from the same root.
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At the B1 level, 'Noor' moves into the metaphorical realm. You will hear it in phrases like 'Noor al-ilm' (the light of knowledge) or 'Noor al-iman' (the light of faith). You begin to understand its cultural and religious significance, especially its use in the Quran. You can participate in discussions about abstract concepts like guidance and ignorance using 'Noor' as a symbol for clarity. You also become familiar with more idiomatic expressions, such as 'Noor 'ayni' (light of my eye) as a term of endearment. Your grammar should be more precise, correctly handling the masculine gender of the word and its broken plural 'Anwar' in more complex sentence structures. You might read short stories where 'Noor' is used to set a mood or describe a character's internal state.
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At the B2 level, you can appreciate the poetic and literary uses of 'Noor.' You will recognize it in classical poetry and modern literature where it serves as a powerful symbol for hope, revolution, or divine presence. You can discuss the subtle differences between 'Noor,' 'Dau',' and 'Diyaa'' in a literary text. You are also aware of how the word is used in different dialects, such as the Egyptian use of 'An-noor qata' for a power outage. Your vocabulary expands to include related words like 'Munir' (illuminating) and 'Tanwir' (enlightenment). You can write essays or give presentations on topics like 'The Age of Enlightenment' (Asr al-Tanwir), using the root of 'Noor' to discuss intellectual history. You understand the nuances of naming conventions and the historical figures who bore the name Noor.
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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the theological and philosophical dimensions of 'Noor.' You can analyze the 'Verse of Light' from the Quran and discuss various classical commentaries (Tafsir) on what 'Noor' represents in that context. You understand the 'Illuminationist' school of philosophy (Ishraqi), which centers on the concept of light. You are comfortable with archaic and highly formal uses of the word in legal or classical documents. You can distinguish between the physical properties of light and its metaphysical attributes in high-level academic discourse. Your usage of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the use of rare idioms and sophisticated metaphors. You can also discuss the etymological links between 'Noor' and other Semitic languages.
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At the C2 level, you possess a near-native mastery of the word's historical evolution. You can trace the root N-W-R through centuries of Arabic development, from pre-Islamic poetry to modern scientific terminology. You can engage in complex debates about the linguistic precision of the word in different historical eras. You understand the most subtle connotations that 'Noor' carries in different regional dialects and social strata. You can use the word and its derivatives to create highly nuanced literature or academic work. You are aware of the phonetic shifts and the subtle interplay between 'Noor' and its synonyms in the highest forms of rhetorical speech (Balagha). Your understanding of 'Noor' is not just linguistic, but deeply cultural, historical, and philosophical.
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Examples Notes & Tips

نور in 30 Seconds

  • Noor is the standard Arabic word for 'light,' used for both physical and metaphorical brightness.
  • It is a masculine noun and forms the broken plural 'Anwar' (lights).
  • Cultural significance is high, appearing in greetings, names, and religious texts like the Quran.
  • It differs from 'Dau'' by being perceived as a cooler, often reflected, or spiritual light.

The Arabic word نور (Noor) is one of the most evocative and linguistically rich terms in the Arabic language. At its most basic level, it translates to 'light,' but to understand its full weight, one must look beyond the physical photon and into the realm of the spiritual, the intellectual, and the social. Unlike the word ضوء (Dau'), which often refers to the intense, direct, and sometimes heat-emitting light of a primary source like the sun or a fire, نور is frequently described by linguists and theologians as a 'cooler,' more serene light. It is often the reflected light, like that of the moon, or an inherent radiance that illuminates without burning. This distinction is crucial in classical Arabic literature and religious texts, where the sun is a Dau' and the moon is a Noor.

Physical Usage
In everyday life, you will hear this word when people talk about the light coming through a window, the brightness of a room, or the glow of a screen. It is the general term for visibility and clarity in a physical space.
Metaphorical Usage
Metaphorically, it represents guidance, knowledge, and truth. 'The light of knowledge' (noor al-ilm) is a common phrase suggesting that education removes the darkness of ignorance. It is also used to describe a person's countenance; a 'bright face' is said to have noor, implying goodness and piety.

هذا البيت فيه الكثير من نور الطبيعي. (This house has a lot of natural light.)

In social contexts, 'Noor' is a ubiquitous name for both men and women across the Muslim world, though it leans slightly more feminine in certain regions or masculine in others (often as part of a compound like 'Nooruddin'—the light of the religion). When you enter a room, someone might say 'Anwarat,' meaning 'you have brought light to this place,' a high compliment of hospitality. It is a word that carries an inherent positivity; you will rarely find it used in a negative context. Even in modern technology, 'Noor' is used to describe brightness settings on devices. Understanding this word is a gateway to understanding the Arabic emphasis on clarity and divine guidance.

العلم نور والجهل ظلام. (Knowledge is light and ignorance is darkness.)

Using نور correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility as a noun. It can function as the subject of a sentence, the object, or as part of an 'Idafa' (possessive) construction. In its simplest form, it describes the presence of light. For example, 'The light is strong' (An-nooru qawiyyun). Notice the use of the definite article 'Al' to specify 'The light.'

Descriptive Phrases
When describing the quality of light, Arabic uses adjectives following the noun. 'A faint light' is noor khafit. 'A bright light' is noor saati'. These phrases are common in descriptive writing and everyday conversation about lighting conditions.

رأيت نوراً بعيداً في الصحراء. (I saw a light far away in the desert.)

In the Idafa construction, 'Noor' often precedes the source of the light. This is one of the most poetic uses of the word. Noor al-qamar (the light of the moon) is a classic example. Here, 'Noor' is the first part of the construction (the mudaf) and 'Al-qamar' is the second part (the mudaf ilayh). This structure is used for both physical and metaphorical light, such as Noor al-haqq (the light of truth). This construction is essential for learners because it shows how light is attributed to its source.

أطفئ النور قبل أن تنام. (Turn off the light before you sleep.)

In modern dialects, particularly Levantine and Egyptian, 'Noor' is used in various idiomatic ways to talk about electricity or lamps. While 'Kahraba' is the word for electricity, people often say 'An-noor qata' (the light cut) to mean a power outage. This shows the word's evolution from a purely aesthetic or spiritual term to a functional, everyday noun. When learning, try to use it in these practical contexts to sound more like a native speaker.

You will encounter نور everywhere from the most sacred texts to the most mundane street conversations. In a religious context, 'An-Nur' is the title of the 24th Surah (chapter) of the Quran, which contains the famous 'Verse of Light' (Ayat al-Nur). This verse is a cornerstone of Islamic mysticism, describing God as the 'Light of the heavens and the earth.' Consequently, you will hear this word in sermons, prayers, and spiritual discussions across the Arabic-speaking world.

Daily Greetings
The most common place an A1 learner will hear 'Noor' is in the morning. The greeting 'Sabah al-Khair' (Good morning) is almost universally met with 'Sabah al-Noor' (Morning of light). This isn't just a phrase; it's a cultural staple of politeness and warmth.

صباح النور يا صديقي! (Morning of light, my friend!)

In the world of entertainment and media, 'Noor' is a frequent title for songs and soap operas. One of the most famous Turkish dramas dubbed into Arabic was titled 'Noor,' which sparked a massive cultural phenomenon across the Middle East. You'll also hear it in poetry and pop music, where it often refers to the 'light' of a lover's eyes or the 'light' that a beloved brings into one's life. The phrase Noor 'ayni (light of my eye) is a deeply affectionate term of endearment used for children and romantic partners.

أنت نور حياتي. (You are the light of my life.)

Finally, in academic or professional settings, 'Noor' appears in the context of enlightenment and discovery. Scientific documentaries might discuss Noor al-shams (sunlight) in the context of photosynthesis, while a philosophy lecture might discuss the Noor al-aql (light of the intellect). It is a word that bridges the gap between the physical science of optics and the metaphysical science of the soul.

For English speakers learning Arabic, the most common mistake is failing to distinguish between نور (Noor) and ضوء (Dau'). While English uses 'light' for both, Arabic is more specific. Using Noor for the blinding, direct glare of a high-beam headlight might sound slightly off to a native speaker, who would likely use Dau'. Think of Noor as the beauty of light and Dau' as the utility or intensity of light.

Confusion with 'Nar'
A very common phonetic mistake for beginners is confusing Noor (light) with Nar (fire). They share the same root letters in a different configuration (N-W-R vs N-A-R). Saying 'The fire is beautiful' when you mean 'The light is beautiful' can lead to significant misunderstandings, especially in a spiritual or romantic context!

خطأ: الغرفة فيها نار كثيرة. (Mistake: The room has a lot of fire—when you meant light.)

Another mistake involves the plural form. The plural of Noor is Anwar. Students often try to pluralize it using the regular masculine plural suffix (Noor-oon), which is incorrect. Anwar is a 'broken plural' and is also a very common male name. Using the wrong plural form can make your Arabic sound 'textbook' and unnatural. Additionally, beginners often forget that 'Noor' is masculine, and they might use feminine adjectives like Noor jamila instead of the correct Noor jamil.

صح: أنوار المدينة ساطعة. (Correct: The lights of the city are bright.)

Finally, avoid using 'Noor' to mean 'lightweight' (as in weight). Arabic uses the word khafif for that. This is a common 'false friend' mistake where learners assume the English multi-purpose word 'light' maps perfectly to 'Noor.' In Arabic, 'Noor' is strictly related to luminosity and vision, never to gravity or mass.

Arabic has a vast vocabulary for 'light,' each with a specific nuance. Comparing نور (Noor) with its alternatives is a masterclass in Arabic precision. The most common synonym is ضوء (Dau'), but as discussed, Dau' is the source light. Another important word is ضياء (Diyaa'), which is often used in the Quran to describe the sun's light specifically, suggesting a more intense, radiant brilliance than Noor.

Noor vs. Dau'
Noor: Gentle, reflected, spiritual, often associated with the moon.
Dau': Intense, primary, physical, often associated with the sun or fire.
Sanaa' (سناء)
This refers to a flash of light or a brilliant gleam, like lightning. It is even more specific than Noor and usually describes a sudden, impressive brightness.

القمر يعكس نور الشمس. (The moon reflects the light of the sun.)

Other alternatives include بهاء (Bahaa'), which means splendor or beauty associated with light, and إشراق (Ishraq), which specifically means the radiance of the sunrise. While Noor is the most general and common term, using these alternatives in literature or formal speech shows a high level of proficiency. In modern contexts, you might also hear إضاءة (Idaa'ah), which refers to 'lighting' as a system or an engineering concept (like the lighting in a theater or a stadium).

كان هناك ضياء قوي يملأ المكان. (There was a strong radiance filling the place.)

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"إن النور هو عماد الرؤية."

Neutral

"هل يمكنني إشعال النور؟"

Informal

"يا نور عيني يا حبيبي."

Child friendly

"انظر إلى نور القمر الجميل!"

Slang

"منور يا باشا!"

Fun Fact

The word 'Noor' is used exactly 43 times in the Quran, emphasizing its central role in Islamic thought.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /nuːr/
US /nʊr/
Single syllable, equal stress throughout.
Rhymes With
Dastoor Masroor Mansoor Ghafoor Shakoor Maroor Soor Hoor
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing it as 'No-er' (two syllables).
  • Confusing the 'oo' sound with the short 'u' in 'nut'.
  • Not rolling the 'r' slightly.
  • Confusing it with 'Nar' (fire).
  • Making the 'n' too nasal.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to read; only three letters.

Writing 1/5

Simple script; no difficult connectors.

Speaking 1/5

Easy pronunciation for most learners.

Listening 2/5

Can be confused with 'Nar' if not careful.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

شمس قمر صباح خير عين

Learn Next

ظلام ضوء مصباح نار أبيض

Advanced

إشراق تنوير منير تجلي بصيرة
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Examples by Level

1

هذا نور جميل.

This is a beautiful light.

Masculine singular noun with masculine adjective.

2

أين النور؟

Where is the light?

Interrogative sentence using the definite article 'Al'.

3

صباح النور.

Morning of light (Response to Good Morning).

Common social idiom.

4

النور قوي جداً.

The light is very strong.

Subject-predicate sentence.

5

أريد القليل من النور.

I want a little bit of light.

Noun as the object of a prepositional phrase.

6

نور الشمس دافئ.

The sunlight is warm.

Idafa construction.

7

الغرفة فيها نور.

The room has light in it.

Simple nominal sentence.

8

افتح النور من فضلك.

Turn on the light, please.

Imperative verb with 'Noor' as the object.

1

رأيت أنوار المدينة من بعيد.

I saw the city lights from afar.

Plural form 'Anwar'.

2

نور القمر ساطع الليلة.

The moonlight is bright tonight.

Idafa construction with 'Noor'.

3

وجه الطفل فيه نور.

The child's face has a glow (light).

Metaphorical use for beauty/purity.

4

أطفئ النور قبل الخروج.

Turn off the light before leaving.

Imperative with a temporal clause.

5

هذه اللمبة تعطي نوراً أبيض.

This bulb gives a white light.

Noun with an indefinite adjective.

6

نور الفجر جميل جداً.

The dawn light is very beautiful.

Idafa construction.

7

لا يوجد نور في هذا الشارع.

There is no light in this street.

Negation using 'La'.

8

اسم أختي هو نور.

My sister's name is Noor.

Proper noun usage.

1

العلم هو النور الذي يهدينا.

Knowledge is the light that guides us.

Metaphorical use with a relative pronoun.

2

يا نور عيني، كيف حالك؟

O light of my eye, how are you?

Idiomatic term of endearment.

3

يجب أن نخرج هذه القضية إلى النور.

We must bring this issue to light.

Idiom meaning 'to reveal' or 'make public'.

4

كان وجهه يشع نوراً وإيماناً.

His face was radiating light and faith.

Verb 'yashu'u' (radiate) with 'Nooran'.

5

دخل النور إلى قلبي بعد سماع الخبر.

Light entered my heart after hearing the news.

Spiritual/emotional metaphor.

6

هذا الكتاب يسلط النور على تاريخنا.

This book sheds light on our history.

Idiom for 'explaining' or 'clarifying'.

7

أنوار الحقيقة لا تنطفئ أبداً.

The lights of truth never go out.

Abstract plural usage.

8

مشيت في طريق النور.

I walked in the path of light.

Symbolic use for guidance.

1

تحدث الكاتب عن صراع النور والظلام.

The writer spoke about the conflict between light and darkness.

Literary theme.

2

كانت أنوار المسرح مبهرة.

The stage lights were dazzling.

Plural noun with a feminine singular adjective (standard for non-human plurals).

3

عصر التنوير غير وجه أوروبا.

The Age of Enlightenment changed the face of Europe.

Use of the derivative 'Tanwir'.

4

نور الحق يسطع مهما طال الزمن.

The light of truth shines no matter how much time passes.

Formal/Poetic sentence.

5

انقطع النور فجأة في الحي كله.

The light (power) cut off suddenly in the whole neighborhood.

Dialectal/Modern usage for electricity.

6

تعتبر الشمس مصدراً للضياء والقمر مصدراً للنور.

The sun is considered a source of radiance and the moon a source of light.

Scientific/Linguistic distinction.

7

حاول الفيلسوف تعريف ماهية النور.

The philosopher tried to define the essence of light.

Academic context.

8

هذه اللوحة تتميز بتلاعب رائع بالنور والظل.

This painting is characterized by a wonderful interplay of light and shadow.

Artistic terminology.

1

في الفلسفة الإشراقية، يعتبر النور أصل الوجود.

In Illuminationist philosophy, light is considered the origin of existence.

High-level philosophical terminology.

2

تتحدث الآية الكريمة عن نور على نور.

The noble verse speaks of light upon light.

Reference to the Quranic 'Verse of Light'.

3

انبثق نور الفجر من وراء الجبال الشاهقة.

The light of dawn emanated from behind the towering mountains.

Advanced literary verb 'inbathaqa'.

4

كانت كلماته بمثابة النور الذي أضاء لي دروب الحيرة.

His words were like the light that illuminated the paths of confusion for me.

Complex metaphorical construction.

5

لقد تجلى النور الإلهي في قلوب العارفين.

Divine light manifested in the hearts of the gnostics.

Sufi/Spiritual terminology.

6

يحلل العلماء خصائص النور الفيزيائية وتفاعله مع المادة.

Scientists analyze the physical properties of light and its interaction with matter.

Scientific register.

7

استطاع الشاعر أن ينسج من خيوط النور قصيدة خالدة.

The poet was able to weave an eternal poem from the threads of light.

Highly metaphorical poetic language.

8

إن مفهوم النور في الفكر الصوفي يتجاوز الإدراك الحسي.

The concept of light in Sufi thought transcends sensory perception.

Academic theological discussion.

1

ثمة تباين دقيق في المعاجم العربية بين النور والضياء.

There is a subtle variance in Arabic lexicons between 'Noor' and 'Diyaa'.

Linguistic analysis.

2

يتجلى في هذا النص الاستخدام البلاغي للفظة النور كاستعارة تصريحية.

The rhetorical use of the word 'Noor' as a declarative metaphor is evident in this text.

Advanced rhetoric (Balagha).

3

إن انحسار النور في القصيدة يرمز إلى أفول الحضارة.

The receding of light in the poem symbolizes the decline of civilization.

Literary symbolism.

4

تستقصي هذه الدراسة الجذور السامية المشتركة لجذر ن-و-ر.

This study investigates the common Semitic roots of the N-W-R root.

Philological research.

5

لقد أضحى النور في الفكر المعاصر رمزاً للشفافية المطلقة.

Light has become a symbol of absolute transparency in contemporary thought.

Sociological/Philosophical analysis.

6

يحمل مصطلح 'النور' في طياته أبعاداً أنطولوجية عميقة.

The term 'Noor' carries within it deep ontological dimensions.

High-level academic jargon.

7

استخدم المعري النور في أشعاره ليعبر عن رؤيته الفلسفية المتشائمة.

Al-Ma'arri used light in his poems to express his pessimistic philosophical vision.

Specific literary historical reference.

8

إن تماهي الذات مع النور الكلي هو غاية السلوك عند المتصوفة.

The identification of the self with the total light is the goal of the path for Sufis.

Esoteric spiritual discourse.

Common Collocations

نور الشمس
نور القمر
نور العلم
نور الفجر
نور هادئ
نور ساطع
نور خافت
نور الحق
مصدر نور
بقعة نور

Common Phrases

صباح النور

— The standard reply to 'Sabah al-Khair' (Good morning). It literally means 'Morning of light.'

شخص أ: صباح الخير. شخص ب: صباح النور!

نور على نور

— A phrase from the Quran meaning light upon light, indicating extreme clarity or divine guidance.

هذا الكتاب هو نور على نور.

على نور

— To do something with clarity or with full knowledge of the facts.

دعنا نتحدث على نور. (Let's talk clearly/openly.)

نور عيني

— A term of endearment for someone very dear, like a child or spouse.

أنت يا بني نور عيني.

انقطع النور

— The light (electricity) went out.

انقطع النور أثناء العاصفة.

طلع النور

— The sun has risen or the day has started.

هيا استيقظ، لقد طلع النور.

نورت البيت

— You have lit up the house (said to a guest when they arrive).

أهلاً بك، نورت البيت بقدومك.

نور وجهه

— The light of his face (referring to someone looking pious or happy).

نور وجهه يريح القلب.

نور المعرفة

— The light of knowledge.

نسعى دائماً لنشر نور المعرفة.

بكل نور

— With all clarity (less common, formal).

شرحت الموضوع بكل نور.

Idioms & Expressions

"نور عيني"

— My most beloved one. Literally 'the light of my eye'.

يا نور عيني، لا تبكِ.

Informal/Affectionate
"على نور"

— In the open, with transparency, or based on clear evidence.

نحن نتفق على نور.

Neutral
"نور على علم"

— Something that is both brilliant and based on deep knowledge.

كلامك نور على علم.

Formal
"رأى النور"

— To be born or to be published/released (for a book or project).

أخيراً، رأى كتابه النور.

Neutral
"أطفأ نوره"

— To suppress someone's influence or to kill someone (metaphorical).

حاولوا إطفاء نوره لكنهم فشلوا.

Literary
"نور النبوة"

— The light of prophethood; divine guidance.

اهتدى الناس بنور النبوة.

Religious
"خطف النور"

— To steal the spotlight or be very impressive.

خطف نوره الأنظار في الحفل.

Informal
"في النور"

— Publicly, not in secret.

كل أعمالنا تتم في النور.

Neutral
"أعمى النور بصره"

— To be blinded by the light (often metaphorical for being overwhelmed).

أعمى نور المال بصره عن الحقيقة.

Literary
"شعلة نور"

— A beacon of light; an inspiring person or idea.

كان المعلم شعلة نور في القرية.

Neutral

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Noor' as the 'New' light of the 'OR' (dawn). Or associate it with 'Moon' (Noon sounds like Moon).

Visual Association

Imagine a soft glow emanating from an old lantern in a dark room—that gentle, helpful light is 'Noor'.

Word Web

Light Guidance Knowledge Name Moon Morning Truth Brightness

Challenge

Try to use 'Sabah al-Noor' tomorrow morning when you see someone, even if you just say it to yourself!

Word Origin

Derived from the Semitic root N-W-R, which is associated with fire, light, and heat in various Afroasiatic languages.

Original meaning: The root originally referred to the glow of fire, but in Arabic, it split into 'Nar' (fire) and 'Noor' (light).

Semitic (Arabic, Hebrew, Aramaic).

Cultural Context

Be respectful when using 'Noor' in religious contexts, as it is a name of God.

English speakers might only think of 'light' as physical, but they should learn to appreciate 'Noor' as a name and a spiritual concept.

Surah An-Nur (The Light) in the Quran. Queen Noor of Jordan. The song 'Noor al-Ein' by Amr Diab.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

  • أطفئ النور
  • افتح النور
  • النور ضعيف
  • أحتاج نوراً

Greetings

  • صباح النور
  • بنورك
  • نورتنا
  • منور

Nature

  • نور الشمس
  • نور القمر
  • نور الفجر
  • نور النهار

Education

  • نور العلم
  • نور المعرفة
  • طريق النور
  • شعلة نور

Religion

  • نور الله
  • نور الإيمان
  • نور الحق
  • سورة النور

Conversation Starters

"هل تحب الجلوس في نور الشمس؟"

"لماذا يسمى الناس أولادهم 'نور'؟"

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