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Combat
المعركة (al-ma'rakah) is a feminine noun meaning 'battle' or 'combat,' referring to a military conflict or armed struggle between opposing forces. It encompasses both the physical confrontation and the broader context of warfare, and is commonly used in historical, military, and political discourse in Arabic.
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خاضت الجيوش معركة شرسة في الصحراء.
Khādat al-juyūsh ma'rakah sharīsah fī al-sahārā.
The armies fought a fierce battle in the desert.
انتصر المسلمون في معركة بدر الشهيرة.
Intasara al-muslimūn fī ma'rakat Badr al-shahīrah.
The Muslims triumphed in the famous Battle of Badr.
كانت المعركة حاسمة في تحديد مصير الحرب.
Kānat al-ma'rakah hāsimah fī tahdīd masīr al-harb.
The battle was decisive in determining the fate of the war.
فقدنا الكثير من الجنود في هذه المعركة.
Faqadnā al-kathīr min al-junūd fī hādhih al-ma'rakah.
We lost many soldiers in this battle.
تحضر الجيش للمعركة القادمة بكل جاهزية.
Tahadarar al-jaysh lil-ma'rakah al-qādimah bi-kull jāhiziyyah.
The army prepared for the upcoming battle with full readiness.
المعركة holds significant importance in Islamic and Arab history, with famous battles like Badr, Uhud, and the Battle of Karbala being central to cultural and religious identity. These historical battles are frequently referenced in Arabic literature, poetry, and education, making the term deeply embedded in Arab cultural consciousness. The word appears extensively in classical Arabic poetry and modern political discourse.
Remember that المعركة is feminine (al-ma'rakah), so adjectives and past tense verbs must agree in gender. Use it when referring to specific military engagements rather than general concepts of war (which would be الحرب). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe intense struggles or competitions, not just military conflicts.
المعركة (al-ma'rakah) is an Arabic noun that translates to "battle" or "combat" in English. It refers to a military engagement or armed conflict between opposing forces. The word encompasses both the physical confrontation and the broader strategic context of warfare. It is derived from the root عرك (a-r-k), which relates to mixing, rubbing, or pressing together—a metaphorical reference to the intense, chaotic nature of battle.
المعركة is a feminine noun in Arabic, as indicated by the feminine ending ة (-ah). This grammatical gender is important when using the word in sentences, as all adjectives and verbs agreeing with it must be in the feminine form. For example, "a fierce battle" is معركة شرسة (ma'rakah sharīsah), where both the noun and adjective are feminine.
The plural form of المعركة is المعارك (al-ma'ārik), which is also feminine plural and follows the broken plural pattern common in Arabic.
المعركة is used primarily in military, historical, and political contexts. It refers to specific military engagements or significant battles in history. For instance, معركة بدر (Ma'rakat Badr) refers to the Battle of Badr, one of the most important battles in Islamic history. The word is distinct from الحرب (al-harb), which means "war" in a broader sense, encompassing multiple battles and prolonged conflicts.
In Arabic and Islamic culture, certain battles hold tremendous historical and religious importance. The Battle of Badr (معركة بدر) is celebrated as a pivotal moment in Islamic history, where the early Muslim army, despite being vastly outnumbered, achieved victory against the Quraysh forces. Similarly, the Battle of Uhud (معركة أحد) and the Battle of Karbala (معركة كربلاء) are deeply significant in Islamic tradition and consciousness.
Arabic classical poetry extensively references معركة and battle imagery, with poets describing the courage of warriors, the brutality of combat, and the heroism displayed on the battlefield. These literary references continue to influence modern Arabic language and thought.
Several common phrases use المعركة:
While primarily used for military contexts, المعركة can be used metaphorically to describe intense struggles or fierce competitions in non-military settings. For example, one might say "معركة سياسية" (ma'rakah siyāsiyyah) to refer to a fierce political struggle or debate.
When learning to use المعركة, remember:
To fully understand and use المعركة effectively, learn these related words:
المعركة is an essential vocabulary word for anyone studying Arabic, particularly those interested in history, politics, or literature. Its deep cultural significance in Islamic tradition and its frequent appearance in Arabic discourse make it a valuable addition to your Arabic vocabulary arsenal.