Word Meaning
इख़्फ़ा
ikhfaa
Meaning
Concealment, hiding, secrecy, or suppression.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'ikhfa' denotes the deliberate act of concealing, suppressing, or keeping secret one's true inner condition, grief, or passion. In this couplet by Ghalib, 'ikhfa-e-haal' refers to keeping the state of one's heart hidden, an outcome traditionally sought through silence. The poet wittily accepts his unintelligible speech because it serves the same purpose of concealment.
Etymology
Arabic إِخْفَاء (ʾikhfāʾ), verbal noun (form IV) from the root خ-ف-ي (ḵ-f-y), meaning to hide or conceal.
Usage
Commonly compounded in Persian izafat constructions (such as ikhfa-e-raaz or ikhfa-e-haal) to express the discreet suppression of romantic pain or secrets from rivals.
Examples
ikhfaa-e-raaz (concealment of a secret)
ikhfaa-e-gham (hiding one's grief)