Word Meaning
इल्तिफ़ात
iltifāt
Meaning
Attention, regard, consideration, kindness, or leaning toward someone.
Detailed Meaning
Iltifāt refers to the act of turning one's face or attention towards someone with kindness, regard, or favor. In this couplet, the poet ironically or mournfully personifies autumn (khizān) as bestowing its attention upon a freshly bloomed bud. Instead of life-giving care, this attention becomes a tragic agent of destruction for the delicate blossom.
Etymology
Arabic, from the verbal root l-f-t (ل ف ت), meaning to turn the face or look around.
Usage
In the classical ghazal tradition, iltifāt is widely used to contrast the beloved's rare, intoxicating favor against their habitual indifference.
Examples
a fleeting glance of kindly attention
he showed no regard for the plea of the lover