Arabic vocabulary
نُكْتَةٌessence in Arabic
نُكْتَةٌ is how you say “essence” in Arabic. Hear it pronounced and see it used in a real example sentence from classical texts below.
Root ن ك ت (n-k-t)noun (substantive)Pronounced nuktah
Meaning of essence in Arabic
- a point, dot, speck, or small mark — the literal sense — e.g. a small mark resembling a speck of dirt on a mirror, or a spot in the eye
- the essential point, gist, or essence of a matter — an extension of the literal 'point' sense to the core of an idea or argument
- a subtle, witty, or finely turned saying; an epigram — figurative (tropical) use — a nice or quaint remark that strikes the heart of the hearer, on reflecting over which one taps the ground with a finger or stick
The root idea is striking or tapping so as to leave a mark — from this, نُكْتَة came to denote a small point or mark, then the central point or essence of a matter, and figuratively a subtle, well-crafted saying that leaves an impression on the listener, much as tapping the ground leaves marks on it.
Words from the same root
- نَكَتَto strike the ground with a stick or finger leaving a mark, as one does while reflecting or meditating; also to speak in subtle, pointed expressions
- نَكْتٌthe verbal noun of nakata — the act of striking/marking the ground
- انتكتto be thrust down and fall upon one's head
- نكّت(of dates) to begin ripening and become speckled
- نَكَّاتٌone who habitually wounds others' reputations by speaking against them
- نَاكِتٌa defect in a camel's elbow that marks or lacerates its side
- مَنْكُوتٌa cooked marrow-bone struck open to release the marrow
Common questions
- How do you say "essence" in Arabic?
- نُكْتَة (nuktah) — literally a 'point' or small mark, extended to mean the essential point or gist of a matter.
- What does نُكْتَة mean besides "essence"?
- It can also mean a literal small mark or speck, and figuratively a subtle, witty saying or epigram that makes a striking impression.
Definitions synthesised from Lane's Arabic-English Lexicon (E. W. Lane, 1863–1893).
Example sentences
ونكتة الْمَسْأَلَة أَنَّهُ لَا يرى ربه إِلَّا محسنا، وَلَا يرى نَفسه إِلَّا مسيئا
And the essence of the matter is that he sees his Lord as nothing but good, and himself as nothing but wrong.
وَنُكْتَةُ — and the essence. wa- = 'and'; nukta means 'the subtle point, the gist', heading an 'of…' phrase with the next word.
From: Returning to God →
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