Ramadan

Meanings

1. 1proper nounproper

   The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.

   Grammar: Used without an article: 'Ramadan begins next week.' It can follow 'during' or 'in'.

   Patterns

   • during Ramadan
   • in Ramadan
   • the month of Ramadan

   Many Muslims around the world fast during Ramadan.

   Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new moon.

   She spends Ramadan with her family in Cairo.

2. 2noununcountable

   The religious practice of fasting and extra prayer that Muslims observe during this month.

   Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun: 'They observe Ramadan.' Not 'a Ramadan'.

   Patterns

   • observe Ramadan
   • keep Ramadan
   • break Ramadan

   He observes Ramadan every year without fail.

   Some students find it hard to keep Ramadan while studying abroad.

   They break Ramadan with a large family meal after sunset.

Common combinations

during Ramadan

Many shops close early during Ramadan.

the holy month of Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan is a time for reflection and charity.

fast during Ramadan

Healthy adults are expected to fast during Ramadan.

the start of Ramadan

The start of Ramadan depends on the lunar calendar.

Ramadan greetings

She sent Ramadan greetings to her friends and colleagues.

break the fast at Ramadan

Families gather to break the fast at Ramadan.

Synonyms and how they differ

the holy month

A respectful way to refer to Ramadan without naming it; it is less specific and can refer to other sacred months in other religions.

Word family

Ramadan proper noun

The name of the month itself; there are no common derived adjectives or verbs in English.

Commonly confused: Ramadan or Eid?

Practice

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