Word Meaning
उस्ताद
ustād
hinoun
Meaning
A master, teacher, expert, or virtuoso in a craft or poetry.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu literature, an ustād is not merely a teacher, but an acknowledged master of poetic craft and prosody. In Ghalib's couplet, it denotes supreme authority and virtuosity in composing Urdu ghazals (Rekhta). The poet acknowledges Mir Taqi Mir as an earlier unexcelled master of the art.
Etymology
Persian 'ustād' (استاد), from Middle Persian 'ōstād' (master, craftsman).
Usage
In ghazal culture, it frequently signifies the senior poet who mentors disciples and corrects their meter and diction ('islāh').
Examples
Honor the master, for from him comes the art.
None could equal the craftsmanship of that master.
Synonyms
गुरुमाहिरशिक्षक
Related Words
शागिर्दउस्तादीफ़नकार