This table is a diagnostic aid for cases where two figures seem initially plausible. It does not replace full definitions but points to the evidence that separates their applications.
Competing categoriesDeciding question
Majāz / kināyahDoes context exclude the literal referent?
Ṭibāq / muqābalahOne opposition or several ordered pairs?
Jinās / sajʿIndividual forms or clause endings?
Iqtibās / taḍmīnScripture or hadith, or another poet's verse?
ʿAqd / ḥallProse to verse or verse to prose?
Takhalluṣ / iqtiḍābIs there a meaningful bridge between themes?
The final classification still depends on the actual words and occasion; the table only guides inquiry toward the relevant evidence.