noun Uncommon

jihad

jih-HAD

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Jihad (noun) means In Islam, a struggle or striving — either an inner spiritual effort toward self-improvement, or, in some contexts, armed struggle in defense of the faith. Example: “Many scholars describe jihad primarily as an internal struggle against one's own bad habits.”

noun

In Islam, a struggle or striving — either an inner spiritual effort toward self-improvement, or, in some contexts, armed struggle in defense of the faith.

"Many scholars describe jihad primarily as an internal struggle against one's own bad habits."

"The term is sometimes misused in Western media to mean only "holy war.""

How to use jihad

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn Arabic word meaning "struggle," used in Islam for both spiritual self-discipline and, in some cases, armed conflict.

Common mistake

The word is often reduced in English media to mean only violent conflict, which flattens its broader religious meaning of personal striving.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: jihads
Third person singular: jihads
Past tense: jihaded

Test yourself on “jihad” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Many scholars describe _____ primarily as an internal struggle against one's own bad habits.

Etymology

Borrowed from Arabic jihād, meaning "struggle" or "effort."

Origin: Arabic

Synonyms

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jehad international jihad

Frequently asked questions

What does “jihad” mean?

The word “jihad” means in Islam, a struggle or striving — either an inner spiritual effort toward self-improvement, or, in some contexts, armed struggle in defense of the faith. In plain terms, an Arabic word meaning "struggle," used in Islam for both spiritual self-discipline and, in some cases, armed conflict.

How do you pronounce “jihad”?

“Jihad” is pronounced jih-HAD (/d͡ʒɪˈhæd/ in IPA).

How do you use “jihad” in a sentence?

Here is “jihad” used in a sentence: “Many scholars describe jihad primarily as an internal struggle against one's own bad habits.”

What part of speech is “jihad”?

“Jihad” is a noun.

Where does the word “jihad” come from?

The word “jihad” comes from Arabic. Borrowed from Arabic jihād, meaning "struggle" or "effort.".

Is “jihad” a common word?

“Jihad” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Words with Arabic origins Words that start with J