LessonsDefining Majāz and Kināyah: Excluding Clues and the Transition to SimileQuiz

The possibility of intending a literal sense must not be confused with the requirement actually to intend both senses. In kināyah the original literal content remains an allowable interpretation. The speaker need not actively intend both senses with equal emphasis in every case.

For example, “His guest-room door is always open” may imply hospitality while also being factually true in its literal description. Yet the speaker's principal purpose may be only to convey generosity.

Thus the crucial distinction is literal intent excluded in majāz versus literal intent permitted in kināyah, not that the latter is necessarily the sum of two simultaneous assertions.

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Permissibility is not obligatory simultaneous intent

Defining Majāz and Kināyah: Excluding Clues and the Transition to Simile

The possibility of intending a literal sense must not be confused with the requirement actually to intend both senses. In kināyah the original literal content remains an allowable interpretation. The speaker need not actively intend both senses with equal emphasis in every case.

For example, “His guest-room door is always open” may imply hospitality while also being factually true in its literal description. Yet the speaker's principal purpose may be only to convey generosity.

Thus the crucial distinction is literal intent excluded in majāz versus literal intent permitted in kināyah, not that the latter is necessarily the sum of two simultaneous assertions.