سَفَهٌ

, (S, TA,) as also ↓ سَفَاهَةٌ and ↓ سَفَاهٌ, (TA,) [all mentioned as inf. ns. in the first paragraph of this article,] primarily signifies خِفَّةٌ [in its proper sense of Lightness], and motion, commotion, or agitation. (S, TA.)

And hence (S, TA) the first, (S, K, TA,) like each of the others, (K, TA,) signifies [generally Lightwittedness, or the like;] the opposite of حِلْمٌ; (S, K, TA;) [i. e.] خِفَّةٌ [as meaning lightness or levity, inconstancy, unsteadiness, irresoluteness; or lightness or levity, &c., and hastiness; for, as is said in the TA in article رجح, the opposite of حِلْمٌ is described by the terms خِفَّةٌ and عَجَلٌ, like as حِلْمٌ is described by the term ثِقَلٌ]; and slenderness, shallowness, or weakness, of judgment; qualities which deficiency of intellect, or understanding, necessarily involves: (Bd in ii. 12, in explanation of سَفَهٌ:) or خِفَّةُ حِلْمٍ [i. e. slightness of gravity or staidness or sedateness or calmness &c.]: or جَهْلٌ [i. e. ignorance, or silliness or foolishness]: (K, TA:) all of which explanations are nearly alike: (TA:) or سَفَهٌ is a deficiency in intellect or understanding: (Msb:) or a lightness, or levity, accidental to a man, arising from joy or anger, inducing him to act unreasonably and unlawfully. (KT.)