Articles | Open Access | DOI: https://doi.org/10.37547/supsci-ojp-06-I3-35

ANTONYMY IN THE LEXICAL-SEMANTIC SYSTEM OF THE ARABIC LANGUAGE: A THEORETICAL INTERPRETATION OF THE PHENOMENA OF TAḌĀDD AND AL-AḌDĀD

Shukhrat M. Mirziyadov ,
Shokhida T. Khurmamatova ,

Abstract

This article provides a theoretical analysis of the phenomenon of antonymy in the Arabic language within the framework of classical and modern approaches. It elucidates the terminological scope, classification, and interpretative mechanisms ofتضاد    taḍādd – “opposition between two distinct lexemes” – andالأضداد   al-aḍdād– “the concentration of opposite meanings within a single lexeme.” The study compares general semantics with the Arabic linguistic tradition and demonstrates methods of semantic determination through antonymy in lexicography and exegetical practice, particularly   تفسير بالضد   tafsīr bi-l-ḍidd.     The novelty of the research lies in interpreting the issue of antonymy within an integrative model and clearly delimiting the scientific status of the phenomenon ofالأضداد   al-aḍdādat the intersection of homonymy, polysemy, and pragmatics, based on classical debates and modern semantic categories.

As a result, antonymic relations in Arabic are systematized into gradable, complementary, conversive, and directional types. The factors underlying the emergence of الأضداد al-aḍdād as well as their functions in text and discourse are substantiated. It is scientifically demonstrated that a comprehensive understanding of antonymy in Arabic requires harmonizing historical-lexical heritage with modern semantic analysis, particularly emphasizing that taking الأضداد  al-aḍdād into account in Qur’anic and exegetical contexts increases interpretative accuracy.

Keywords

antonymy;تَضَادّ taḍādd; الأَضْدَاد al-aḍdād, lexical-semantic relation; gradable antonyms; complementary antonyms; conversive antonyms; Arabic lexicography;تفسير بالضد tafsīr bi-l-ḍidd semantic-pragmatic interpretation.

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Mirziyadov, S. M. ., & Khurmamatova, S. T. . (2026). ANTONYMY IN THE LEXICAL-SEMANTIC SYSTEM OF THE ARABIC LANGUAGE: A THEORETICAL INTERPRETATION OF THE PHENOMENA OF TAḌĀDD AND AL-AḌDĀD. Oriental Journal of Philology, 6(I3), 340–351. https://doi.org/10.37547/supsci-ojp-06-I3-35