Absence of Synonymy in Language
Editorial verification status: this atom has been extracted from a clarifying audiovisual source, and it has now been linked to the closest books within the Shahrur project at the book level. For precise academic citation, consult the original book and the original episode together.
Formulation of the claim
Shahrur rejects the idea of complete synonymy in language, and says that a single word may have multiple meanings depending on usage and context, but there are no synonymous words in the sense of full equivalence.
Explanation
Shahrur links this principle to the contemporary reading of the Wise Revelation, because understanding words as synonymous obscures fine semantic differences. He cites the development of modern lexicons, especially the descriptive approach in English dictionaries, to demonstrate that language is a system of usage and development, not a rigid list of equivalents. In his view, this conception is a methodological foundation before entering any Qur’anic interpretation.
Its place in the episode’s argument
This atom is the methodological entry point of the episode: if the idea of synonymy falls, the way the entire Qur’an is read changes. It is a prelude to all the later distinctions between words such as: sign, message, criterion, Book, report, tidings.
Limits of the claim
He is not saying here that all words are radically different with no overlap, but rather that complete equivalence between words is not correct.
Brief evidence
“In all the living languages of the world, there is no synonymy… every word can have more than one meaning.”
Nearby links
- Shahrur - the Qur’an
- Shahrur - the Muḥkam
- The Book and the Qur’an