Word Meaning
अफ़रंगी
afrangī
Meaning
European, Western; influenced by modern Western rationalism or culture.
Detailed Meaning
Pertaining to Europe, the West, or modern secular rationalism. In modern classical Urdu poetry, especially that of Allama Iqbal, it frequently denotes an intellect trapped in Western materialist thought alienated from Eastern spirituality. In this couplet, the speaker laments that his rational mind has become overly Westernized while his inner faith remains compromised.
Etymology
Persian 'afrangī' (variant of 'farangī'), ultimately derived through Arabic 'faranj' from Old French/Germanic 'Franc' (Frank/European).
Usage
Commonly used in philosophical and anti-colonial poetry to contrast superficial Western materialism with Eastern spiritual conviction.
Examples
His mind remains dazzled by Afrangi thought.
Do not seek spiritual peace in the Afrangi way of life.