المذكور أعلاه
Above-mentioned
Difficulty Level
Description
المذكور أعلاه is a formal Arabic phrase meaning 'the above-mentioned' or 'aforementioned.' It combines the adjective المذكور (mentioned/cited) with the adverb أعلاه (above), and is commonly used in legal, administrative, and formal written documents to refer back to something previously stated. This phrase emphasizes clarity and precision in formal communication.
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Example Sentences
الشروط المذكورة أعلاه يجب أن تُطبّق بشكل صارم.
Al-shurūt al-madhkūrah ʿalāhu yajib ʾan tutaṭabbaqu bi-shakl sārim.
The above-mentioned conditions must be applied strictly.
الشخص المذكور أعلاه هو المسؤول عن المشروع.
Al-shakhs al-madhkūr ʿalāhu huwa al-masʾūl ʿan al-mashrūʿ.
The above-mentioned person is responsible for the project.
في العقد المذكور أعلاه، تم الاتفاق على مدة سنة واحدة.
Fī al-ʿaqd al-madhkūr ʿalāhu, tamma al-ittifāq ʿalā muddat sanah wāhidah.
In the above-mentioned contract, it was agreed upon for a period of one year.
الموارد المذكورة أعلاه ستكون متاحة للجميع.
Al-mawārid al-madhkūrah ʿalāhu satakūn mutāḥah li-l-jamīʿ.
The above-mentioned resources will be available to everyone.
الأهداف المذكورة أعلاه تتطلب تمويلاً إضافياً.
Al-ahdāf al-madhkūrah ʿalāhu tattalib tammwīlan iḍāfiyyan.
The above-mentioned objectives require additional funding.
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Cultural Notes
This phrase is predominantly used in formal Arabic contexts such as legal contracts, official documents, government correspondence, and academic writing. It reflects the formal register of Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) and is rarely used in spoken or colloquial Arabic. Understanding and using this phrase correctly demonstrates linguistic proficiency in formal written Arabic communication.
Usage Tips
This phrase always comes after the noun it refers to and typically agrees with the noun in gender and number (e.g., المذكورة أعلاه for feminine nouns, المذكورون أعلاه for masculine plural). Remember that it's primarily a written construction used in formal documents—native speakers in casual conversation would use simpler alternatives like 'اللي قلنا عليه' (the one we mentioned). Always position it immediately after the noun for clarity and proper reference.
Understanding المذكور أعلاه (Al-Madhkur Alah)
المذكور أعلاه is a formal Arabic phrase that translates to "the above-mentioned," "aforementioned," or "the above-cited." This compound phrase is essential for anyone studying formal Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha), particularly those involved in legal, administrative, or academic writing.
Grammatical Structure
The phrase consists of two components:
- المذكور (al-madhkur): An adjective meaning "mentioned" or "cited," derived from the root ذ-ك-ر (dh-k-r) which relates to memory, mention, and citation
- أعلاه (ʿalāhu): An adverb meaning "above" or "aforesaid," indicating that the reference points to something previously stated
When used, المذكور must agree with the noun in gender and number:
- Masculine singular: المذكور أعلاه
- Feminine singular: المذكورة أعلاه
- Masculine plural: المذكورون أعلاه
- Feminine plural: المذكورات أعلاه
Usage in Formal Documents
This phrase is ubiquitous in formal Arabic writing contexts. In legal contracts, you'll frequently see sentences like "الأطراف المذكورة أعلاه" (the above-mentioned parties). In administrative documents, it helps maintain clarity by explicitly referencing previously introduced concepts or entities.
Common Contexts
You'll encounter المذكور أعلاه in:
- Legal documents: Contracts, agreements, terms of service
- Official correspondence: Government letters, formal announcements
- Academic writing: Theses, research papers, scholarly articles
- Business communications: Formal proposals, official memos
- Administrative procedures: Application forms, official guidelines
Distinguishing from Colloquial Arabic
It's important to note that this phrase belongs entirely to the formal register. In everyday spoken Arabic, native speakers would use much simpler constructions like "اللي قلنا عنه" (the one we mentioned about) or simply point back with gesture and context. Using المذكور أعلاه in casual conversation would sound overly formal or artificial.
Related Phrases
Several similar phrases serve complementary functions:
- المشار إليه أعلاه: "The above-referred to," used when something was indicated rather than explicitly mentioned
- السابق ذكره: "Previously mentioned," a more traditional variant
- المذكور لاحقاً: "The below-mentioned," its opposite, referring to something that follows
Practical Application Tips
When writing formal Arabic, remember to:
- Place المذكور أعلاه immediately after the noun it modifies
- Ensure gender and number agreement with the noun
- Use it consistently throughout a document for clarity
- Avoid overusing it; reserve it for situations where reference clarity is important
Understanding and correctly using المذكور أعلاه demonstrates command of formal Arabic and ensures professional, clear communication in official contexts.