عبث
Root: عبث
3 entries for this word
Hans Wehr Definitions
Entry 1
عبث ‘abita a (‘abat) to fool around, indulge in horseplay, commit a folly; to play, joke, jest (ب with); to toy, play a frivolous game (ب with), mock (ب s.o., s.th.); to play (absent-mindedly), fidget, fuas, dawdle, fiddle (ب with s.th., e.g., while talking); to handle, manipulate (ب s.th.), tinker (ب with); to abuse (ب s.th.); to commit an offense (ب against), violate (ب s.th.), infringe, encroach (ب upon); to impair, injure (ب s.th.) III to amuse o.s., make fun, play around, banter, dally (ه with s.o.), tease (ه s.o.), play a trick, prank or joke (ه on s.o.)
Entry 2
عبث ‘abat (frivolous) play; pastime, amusement; joke, jest; mockery; عبثا ‘abatan in vain, futilely, to no avail, Uselessly, fruitlessly │ من العبث ان it is foolish and useless to ...; ولكن عبثا استطاع ان يجيبه (iataṭā‘a, yujībahū) but he couldn’t give him an answer
Entry 3
عبث mu‘ābata pl.-āt teasing, joke or prank played on s.o.; funmaking, jesting, banter, raillery
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