This chapter provides a complete introduction to the ten core Arabic verb patterns (الأوزان العشر). These forms modify the meaning of the triliteral root:
ف ع ل
Each form creates a different semantic nuance — such as causative, intensive, reciprocal, reflexive, or seeking. ACE automatically detects all Forms I–X and generates masdars, participles, and conjugations.
Pattern:
فَعَلَ / فَعِلَ / فَعُلَ
The most basic, default form. Meanings vary widely depending on the root.
| Example Root | Form I | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ktb | كَتَبَ | wrote |
| drs | دَرَسَ | studied |
| qwl | قَالَ | said |
ACE determines vowel pattern (a/i/u) based on dictionary or user choice.
Pattern:
فَعَّلَ
This form usually indicates intensive or causative meaning. It is characterized by a shaddah on the 2nd radical (r1).
| Form II | Meaning |
|---|---|
| دَرَّسَ | to teach (cause to study) |
| قَدَّمَ | to present / offer |
| كَسَّرَ | to smash / break repeatedly |
Nuances:
Pattern:
فَاعَلَ
Form III typically expresses reciprocal or involvement meaning.
| Form III | Meaning |
|---|---|
| قَاتَلَ | to fight (engage mutually) |
| كَاتَبَ | to correspond with |
| سَافَرَ | to travel (involve oneself) |
Pattern:
أَفْعَلَ
Shows strong **causative** meaning. Often introduces or initiates an action.
| Form IV | Meaning |
|---|---|
| أَكْرَمَ | to honor |
| أَنْزَلَ | to send down |
| أَعْلَنَ | to announce |
Pattern:
تَفَعَّلَ
Reflexive or internal version of Form II.
| Form V | Meaning |
|---|---|
| تَعَلَّمَ | to learn (make oneself learn) |
| تَفَكَّرَ | to reflect |
| تَدَبَّرَ | to ponder deeply |
Pattern:
تَفَاعَلَ
Reflexive version of Form III. Often expresses shared or mutual action.
| Form VI | Meaning |
|---|---|
| تَقَابَلَ | to meet each other |
| تَشَاوَرَ | to consult one another |
Pattern:
اِنْفَعَلَ
Usually passive/reflexive meaning. No passive voice exists for Form VII.
| Form VII | Meaning |
|---|---|
| اِنْقَطَعَ | to be cut off |
| اِنْكَسَرَ | to be broken |
Pattern:
اِفْتَعَلَ
Internal reflexive. Known for **assimilation** when r0 is dental or sibilant.
Examples:
| Form VIII | Meaning |
|---|---|
| اِجْتَمَعَ | to gather |
| اِقْتَرَبَ | to draw near |
| اِصْطَبَرَ | to endure patiently (ṣ → ṭ assimilation) |
ACE includes full Form VIII assimilation rules (t → d, shadda, emphatics).
Pattern:
اِفْعَلَّ
Rare form used mostly for **colors** or **physical defects**.
| Form IX | Meaning |
|---|---|
| اِحْمَرَّ | to become red |
| اِسْوَدَّ | to become black |
Pattern:
اِسْتَفْعَلَ
Shows meanings of:
| Form X | Meaning |
|---|---|
| اِسْتَغْفَرَ | to seek forgiveness |
| اِسْتَعْمَلَ | to use / employ |
| اِسْتَبْشَرَ | to rejoice / be glad |