LessonsDescription and Emphasis of the Subject: Rhetorical Purposes and Fine DistinctionsQuiz

An indefinite noun refers to an unspecified member of a class. Adding a modifier can narrow that class without determining a unique individual.

«رَجُلٌ جَاءَ» — a man came, with no stated qualification.
«رَجُلٌ صَالِحٌ جَاءَ» — a righteous man came; the class is narrowed.
«رَجُلٌ صَالِحٌ عَالِمٌ جَاءَ» — a righteous scholar came; further characteristics are supplied.

Traditional grammar often calls this effect takhṣīṣ (restriction). Restricting a range does not necessarily establish full personal identity; restriction and unique identification are distinct.

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Restricting the possible referents of an indefinite

Description and Emphasis of the Subject: Rhetorical Purposes and Fine Distinctions

An indefinite noun refers to an unspecified member of a class. Adding a modifier can narrow that class without determining a unique individual.

«رَجُلٌ جَاءَ» — a man came, with no stated qualification.
«رَجُلٌ صَالِحٌ جَاءَ» — a righteous man came; the class is narrowed.
«رَجُلٌ صَالِحٌ عَالِمٌ جَاءَ» — a righteous scholar came; further characteristics are supplied.

Traditional grammar often calls this effect takhṣīṣ (restriction). Restricting a range does not necessarily establish full personal identity; restriction and unique identification are distinct.