لا يُعَدُّ — meaning in English: Do not count

Usage

Native speakers often use لا يُعَدُّ in discussions where absolute values or quantities are being debated, such as in academic settings or during serious conversations about resource allocation. For instance, a teacher might say لا يُعَدُّ النجاح مهما كان النجاح هو الأهم when talking about the various factors that contribute to success, emphasizing that success should not be solely quantified.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is لا يُحصى, which translates as 'cannot be counted.' However, لا يُعَدُّ is more emphatic, often suggesting that the value cannot even be considered in numerical terms. You might choose لا يُعَدُّ when you want to convey a sense of disregard for numerical measurement in a particular context.

Culture

The phrase لا يُعَدُّ reflects a deeper cultural philosophy in Arabic-speaking regions that values the qualitative aspects of life over mere quantitative measures. This sentiment is echoed in many Arabic proverbs, emphasizing the nuances of counting one's blessings rather than simply cataloging material possessions. The word itself is derived from the root عَدَّ, which means 'to count,' adding a layer of complexity to its use.

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