ayatollah
UK[ˌaɪəˈtɒlə]US[ˌaɪəˈtoʊlə]
n
A high-ranking Shiite Muslim religious leader, especially in Iran.
Morpheme Breakdown
ayat
ollah
ayat
sign
ollah
God
Etymology
The word 'ayatollah' is a direct loan from Persian and Arabic, composed of two elements. 'Ayat' originates from the Arabic 'āyah', meaning a sign or miracle, and specifically refers to a verse of the Qur'an. 'Allah' is the Arabic word for God. Combined, the term literally translates to "Sign of God." This title evolved within Twelver Shi'a Islam to denote a high-ranking scholar who is considered an authoritative interpreter of Islamic law and scripture, embodying the idea of a learned guide who reflects divine wisdom.
Analysis
Structure: ayat (sign) + ollah (God)
'ayat' is from Arabic 'āyah' (sign, miracle, verse of the Qur'an). 'ollah' is from Arabic 'Allāh' (God).
Examples
The ayatollah issued a religious decree on the matter.
He was widely respected as a leading ayatollah in the theological community.
The political influence of the ayatollah grew significantly after the revolution.