Synonymy and its Semantic Value in the Words of Nahj al-Balaghah

Synonymy is one of the central topics in both modern and traditional linguistics. There have been different discussions around synonymy such as disagreement about its acceptance or denial, the rate of dynamicity, capability, and domain of application and the ways of applying it. The importance of synonymy arises when the relation between word and meaning forms as a consequence of users’ communication. Therefore, the truth of synonymy is a subject which is primarily related to meaning and the changes in meaning that occur during the course of use. Accordingly, the present study used a descriptive-analytic method to discuss synonymy in the words of Nahj al-Balaghah, and the following results were obtained: First, synonymy does not mean absolute agreement in meaning and equality in concept, for if it was the case, it would be called equal words. Second, synonymy does exist in Arabic language but not as much as what is thought to be. This could be because of the mistake of the collectors of words and their methods in collecting them. Third, because of differences in meaning, the words of Nahj al-Balaghah are not synonymous with each other and consequently there is no synonymy in this book. Fourth, the verbal structure of Nahj al-Balaghah is chosen according to its social context.