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Gloomy
كئيب (ka'īb) is an Arabic adjective meaning 'gloomy,' 'sad,' or 'melancholy.' It describes a state of deep sadness, gloominess, or a somber atmosphere. This word is commonly used in both classical and modern Arabic to express emotional or environmental sadness.
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السماء كئيبة اليوم وتنذر بقدوم المطر.
As-samā'u ka'ībatun al-yawm wa-tandhiru bi-qudūmi al-matar.
The sky is gloomy today and heralds the coming of rain.
شعر الشاعر بمزاج كئيب بعد سماعه النبأ الحزين.
Sha'ara ash-shā'iru bi-mizāj ka'īb ba'da samā'ihi an-naba' al-hazīn.
The poet felt a gloomy mood after hearing the sad news.
كانت نهاية الفيلم كئيبة جداً وأحزنت المشاهدين.
Kānat nihāyatu al-film ka'ībah jiddan wa-ahzanat al-mushāhidīn.
The end of the film was very gloomy and saddened the viewers.
المنزل القديم يبدو كئيباً وموحشاً في الليل.
Al-manzil al-qadīm yabdū ka'īban wa-mawḥishan fī al-layl.
The old house looks gloomy and desolate at night.
دخل علينا برفقة تعبير وجه كئيب يدل على حزنه.
Dakhala 'alaynā bi-rifqat ta'bīr wajh ka'īb yadull 'alā huznih.
He entered with a gloomy facial expression that indicated his sadness.
In Arabic literature and poetry, كئيب is frequently used to convey deep emotional states and atmospheric descriptions, particularly in works exploring themes of loss, longing, and existential sadness. The word carries poetic and literary weight in Arabic culture, often appearing in classical and modern poetry to evoke emotional resonance. Arabs frequently use this term when discussing weather, moods, and literary or artistic atmospheres.
Remember that كئيب is an adjective that agrees with the noun it modifies in gender and number. It can describe both people's emotional states and environmental or atmospheric conditions. When used with feminine nouns, it becomes كئيبة, and with plural nouns it takes appropriate plural forms. This word is more formal and literary than colloquial synonyms, making it ideal for written Arabic and elevated speech.
The Arabic word كئيب (ka'īb) is an adjective that translates to 'gloomy,' 'sad,' or 'melancholy' in English. This powerful descriptor is used to convey a state of deep sadness, emotional gloominess, or a somber atmosphere. Whether describing a person's emotional state or the feeling of an environment, كئيب captures the essence of melancholy and emotional heaviness.
As an adjective, كئيب must agree with the noun it modifies in both gender and number. In its masculine singular form, it appears as كئيب, while the feminine singular form is كئيبة (ka'ībah). For plural forms, the word transforms accordingly depending on the gender of the noun being described. This grammatical flexibility allows speakers to apply the word across various contexts and noun types.
كئيب is commonly employed in modern standard Arabic (MSA) and classical Arabic literature to paint pictures of emotional or atmospheric sadness. For example, one might describe السماء الكئيبة (as-samā' al-ka'ībah) to mean 'the gloomy sky,' suggesting an overcast or threatening weather condition. Similarly, describing someone's facial expression as وجه كئيب (wajh ka'īb) conveys a person's apparent sadness or melancholy state.
The word is frequently used in literary contexts, particularly in poetry and novels where atmospheric and emotional descriptions are essential. Arabic writers and poets employ كئيب to create mood and evoke specific emotional responses from their readers.
Several related words share similar meanings with كئيب:
To express the opposite of gloominess, Arabic speakers use words such as:
In Arabic culture and literature, كئيب holds significant weight as a word that conveys not just sadness, but a particular type of artistic, poetic sadness. It appears frequently in classical Arabic poetry, modern literature, and contemporary media. The word resonates with Arabic speakers on both emotional and intellectual levels, making it a staple in discussions about mood, weather, and artistic atmosphere.
Several common Arabic phrases incorporate كئيب:
These phrases are frequently used in both written and spoken Arabic to describe emotional and environmental states.
When learning to use كئيب, English speakers should remember that it functions as a standard Arabic adjective with full gender and number agreement. The word is more formal and literary than some of its colloquial synonyms, making it particularly useful in written Arabic, formal speech, and literary contexts. Practice using it in sentences describing both emotional states and environmental conditions to fully grasp its versatility.
Understanding the nuances of كئيب will enhance your ability to express subtle emotional and atmospheric descriptions in Arabic, allowing for more sophisticated and culturally appropriate communication.