Complete and Near Synonymy in the Holy Qur'an

Abstract

This article examines the concept of synonymy and how it occurs in the Qur'an. Complete synonymy is differentiated from near synonymy in that the former denotes sameness of meaning among a group of words in a specific context, without any difference in secondary, regional and emotional meanings. Near synonymy refers to likeness of meaning among a group of words gathered together under one semantic field, keeping in mind that each of them has special connotations by which it is distinguished from the others in the same area of meaning. It is noted that the occurrence of complete synonymy is rare either in Arabic in general, or more particularly in the Qur'an; near synonymy, however, is widespread in Arabic and examples abound in the Qur'an. After discussing examples of both types of synonymy found in the Qur'an, we turn to the Names of Allah, as cited in the Qur'an, in order to prove that no two of these names are identical in meaning and that consequently no synonymity occurs. Difference in meaning is found to be due either to difference in root meaning or difference in word formation.