Word Meaning
अदावत
adāvat
Meaning
Enmity, hostility, malice, or ill will.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'adāvat' denotes enmity, bitterness, or active hostility between individuals. In the cited couplet, the lover ironically welcomes even the beloved's malice as a form of connection, valuing hostility far above complete abandonment or cold indifference. It underscores the poetic sentiment where any engagement from the beloved is preferable to total severance of ties.
Etymology
From Arabic 'adāwah' (عداوة), derived from the triconsonantal root ʿ-d-w (ع-د-و), relating to transgression, overstepping, and enmity.
Usage
In the Urdu ghazal tradition, poets frequently contrast 'adāvat' with indifference ('बे-रुख़ी'), declaring hostility to be far superior to being ignored completely.
Examples
Even enmity is acceptable if it keeps some tie between us.
The warmth of companionship has turned to cold hostility.