उल्फ़त-आज़मा

Meaning

Testing love; one who tests affection or trials a lover's devotion.

Detailed Meaning

A compound adjective referring to someone who tests, evaluates, or challenges love. In Ghalib's verse, it characterizes the beloved as one whose presence constantly puts the lover's sincerity and endurance to trial. It reflects the classical motif of a beloved whose interactions are an unending test rather than simple reciprocity.

Etymology

Compound of Arabic 'ulfat' (affection, love, familiarity) and Persian 'āzmā' (stem of 'āzmūdan', to test or examine).

Usage

Commonly used in ghazals to depict the beloved's skeptical nature and their habit of constantly testing the lover's loyalty.

Examples

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Related Words