LessonsDivisions of Simile: Single/Composite, Enfolded/Separated, Taswiya/Jamʿ, Tamthīl and ExplicitnessQuiz

فمن المجمل ما هو ظاهر وجهه
Some condensed similes have an obvious respect of resemblance.

“Zayd is a lion” or “Zayd is like a lion” may readily suggest bravery in an appropriate context. The common respect is omitted in words but clear in interpretation. Other condensed similes may require specialized literary insight before their intended likeness emerges.

Obvious versus subtle asks how easily the unstated respect is inferred. Detailed versus condensed asks whether it was explicitly named. These are different questions.

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Obvious and subtle features in condensed similes

Divisions of Simile: Single/Composite, Enfolded/Separated, Taswiya/Jamʿ, Tamthīl and Explicitness

فمن المجمل ما هو ظاهر وجهه
Some condensed similes have an obvious respect of resemblance.

“Zayd is a lion” or “Zayd is like a lion” may readily suggest bravery in an appropriate context. The common respect is omitted in words but clear in interpretation. Other condensed similes may require specialized literary insight before their intended likeness emerges.

Obvious versus subtle asks how easily the unstated respect is inferred. Detailed versus condensed asks whether it was explicitly named. These are different questions.