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Conceivable
معقول (ma'qool) is an Arabic adjective meaning 'reasonable,' 'sensible,' 'conceivable,' or 'rational.' It describes something that is logical, makes sense, or is within the realm of possibility. The word is commonly used in everyday conversation to express approval of ideas, suggestions, or situations that are rational and comprehensible.
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هذا اقتراح معقول جداً.
Hadha iqtirāh ma'qool jiddan.
This is a very reasonable suggestion.
من المعقول أن نتوقع المزيد من المطر غداً.
Min al-ma'qool an natawaqqa' al-mazīd min al-matar ghadan.
It is conceivable that we can expect more rain tomorrow.
السعر معقول جداً مقابل جودة المنتج.
As-si'r ma'qool jiddan muqābil jūdat al-muntaj.
The price is very reasonable for the quality of the product.
ليس من المعقول أن تتوقع نتائج بهذه السرعة.
Laysa min al-ma'qool an tatawaqqā natā'ij bi-hadhih as-sur'ah.
It is not reasonable to expect results this quickly.
الخطة معقولة وقابلة للتنفيذ.
Al-khittah ma'qoolah wa-qābilah lit-tanfīdh.
The plan is reasonable and feasible.
معقول is deeply embedded in Arabic discourse as a marker of rational thought and good judgment, values highly respected in Arab culture. The word is frequently used in business negotiations, family discussions, and everyday decision-making to signal whether a proposal aligns with common sense and community standards. Understanding and using this word appropriately demonstrates cultural awareness and respect for the emphasis placed on rationality and logical reasoning in Arabic-speaking societies.
معقول is primarily used as an adjective describing nouns or situations, though it can also function as the predicate of a sentence with 'to be' (كان/تكون). English speakers should note that it carries a positive connotation similar to 'fair' or 'sensible' rather than merely 'possible.' The phrase 'من المعقول' (min al-ma'qool) meaning 'it is reasonable to...' is extremely common and useful for making suggestions or setting expectations.
The Arabic word معقول (ma'qool) is a fundamental adjective that translates to 'reasonable,' 'sensible,' 'rational,' or 'conceivable' in English. It derives from the root عقل (aql), which means 'mind' or 'intellect.' This connection to reason and understanding is central to the word's meaning and usage in Arabic.
معقول functions primarily as an adjective in Arabic. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example:
When used with the definite article, it becomes المعقول (al-ma'qool), meaning 'the reasonable' or 'reason itself.'
In everyday Arabic, معقول appears in multiple contexts:
Evaluating Proposals and Ideas: Arabs frequently use this word when discussing whether something makes sense or is acceptable. Saying 'هذا معقول' (this is reasonable) is a common way to express approval of a suggestion.
Price and Value Assessment: When discussing prices in markets or shops, معقول is essential. 'السعر معقول' means 'the price is fair/reasonable,' while 'السعر غير معقول' indicates 'the price is unreasonable/too high.'
Setting Expectations: The phrase 'من المعقول أن...' (it is reasonable that...) is used extensively to discuss what can logically be expected or what makes sense in a given situation.
Understanding the word family surrounding معقول enriches your comprehension:
In Arab culture, reasonableness and rational thinking are highly valued traits. Using معقول effectively signals that you understand and respect these cultural values. The word reflects the importance of logic and sensibility in decision-making, whether in business, family matters, or social negotiations. Being perceived as someone who thinks معقول (reasonably) is a compliment that suggests wisdom and good judgment.
من المعقول: This phrase structure, meaning 'it is reasonable to,' is exceptionally common and useful for Arabic learners. Example: 'من المعقول أن نأخذ إجازة' (It is reasonable that we take a vacation).
معقول جداً: Meaning 'very reasonable,' this intensified form expresses strong approval.
غير معقول: The negation 'unreasonable' is frequently used to express disapproval or disbelief.
Understanding what معقول is NOT helps clarify its meaning:
Use معقول to gain rapport: Describing someone's idea as معقول is a diplomatic way to show you're listening and find merit in their perspective.
Recognize context matters: While معقول can mean 'possible' or 'conceivable,' it carries the additional weight of 'sensible,' so it's not neutral—it's a value judgment.
Practice with prices and negotiations: Since معقول is frequently used in market contexts, practicing with pricing discussions helps reinforce the word naturally.
Remember the gender and number agreements: Even though adjectives in Arabic can seem complex, معقول follows standard patterns, making it an excellent word for practicing agreement rules.
معقول is an indispensable word in Arabic that goes beyond simple translation to encompass cultural values of rationality and wisdom. Whether negotiating prices, evaluating ideas, or engaging in everyday conversation, this word is central to expressing judgment about whether something makes sense. Mastering معقول and its various forms and contexts is a significant step toward fluent, culturally aware Arabic communication.