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العربية
اِنطَوى على نَفسِهِ — meaning in English: retreat
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to isolate oneself
رَافَقَ
عادَلَ
داخِليّ
فارِس، فُرسان
اِنطَوى على نَفسِهِ
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers might use اِنطَوى على نَفسِهِ in conversations about personal experiences, especially when discussing emotions or mental health. For instance, one might say it while describing a friend who has withdrawn from social activities due to stress or anxiety.
Synonyms & nuances
A similar term is 'تراجع', which translates to 'withdraw' but is often used in a more physical context. While اِنطَوى على نَفسِهِ focuses on emotional or psychological retreat, تراجع can imply both mental and physical withdrawal, making the former more suitable for introspective discussions.
Culture
The phrase اِنطَوى على نَفسِهِ derives from the Arabic root 'طوى', which means to fold or wrap up. This imagery evokes the idea of retreating into oneself, both physically and emotionally, a concept that resonates deeply in Arabic poetry, where introspection is often celebrated as a path to wisdom and self-discovery.
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