quran
C1Formal; used in religious, academic, and journalistic contexts. In everyday conversation among non-Muslims, it is less frequent.
Definition
Meaning
The sacred central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
The term can also be used more generally to refer to a copy or physical book containing this text, or to the recitation of its verses. In a figurative sense, it can sometimes describe a work or source regarded as supremely authoritative.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is often preceded by the definite article 'the'. Capitalization is standard. The alternative spelling 'Koran' is now less common in academic and Muslim usage, as 'Quran' better reflects the original Arabic pronunciation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The spelling 'Qur'an' (with an apostrophe) is common in both, but slightly more prevalent in British academic texts. 'Koran' is becoming archaic in both.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Similar frequency in relevant contexts. The word appears more in media and academic discourse in both regions due to global affairs.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + Quran: study, recite, read, memorise/memorize, interpret, translate, quote, followVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As a guiding light, it's his Quran. (figurative, rare)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Almost never used, except in very specific contexts like publishing or Islamic finance.
Academic
Common in religious studies, theology, Middle Eastern studies, and comparative literature.
Everyday
Used in general discussions about religion, world affairs, or culture.
Technical
Used in Islamic theology (Usul al-Fiqh, Tafsir), philology, and manuscript studies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (No standard verb form)
American English
- (No standard verb form)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form)
American English
- (No standard adverb form)
adjective
British English
- Quranic studies are offered at the university.
- A Quranic manuscript was discovered.
American English
- The class focused on Quranic interpretation.
- She cited a Quranic verse.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is a book about the Quran.
- Muslims read the Quran.
- She is learning to recite the Quran in Arabic.
- The central principles are found in the Quran.
- Scholars have analysed various historical interpretations of the Quran.
- The exhibition features beautifully illuminated Quranic manuscripts from the 14th century.
- His thesis deconstructs the hermeneutical approaches applied to specific Quranic passages in the medieval period.
- The reformist movement advocates for a contemporary re-reading of the Quran within its socio-historical context.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CORE text that provides a GUIDE to faith: The Quran is the CORE-AN (sounds like 'Quran') guidance for Muslims.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE QURAN IS A GUIDE/MAP (for life and faith); THE QURAN IS LIGHT (illuminating the path).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'Коран' as a common noun without the definite article in English; it is almost always 'the Quran'.
- Do not confuse with 'Библия' (Bible); they are distinct texts from different religious traditions.
- The word is treated as singular ('The Quran is...'), not plural.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He read Quran.' Correct: 'He read the Quran.'
- Misspelling as 'Quaran' or 'Kuran'.
- Using a lower-case 'q' in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate description of the Quran?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Quran' (or 'Qur'an') is the preferred and more accurate transliteration from Arabic, reflecting the original pronunciation. 'Koran' is an older, Latinised spelling that is now less common in formal and Muslim contexts.
Yes, in almost all contexts, it is 'the Quran', similar to 'the Bible' or 'the Torah'. Omitting the article is a common mistake.
It is primarily a proper noun referring to the specific Islamic text. Figurative use (e.g., 'the programmer's Quran') is possible but rare and stylistic.
Yes, 'Quranic' is the standard adjective form (e.g., Quranic studies, Quranic verse).