Word Meaning
कम-अयार
kam-ayaar
hiadjective
Meaning
Of low quality, impure, base, or of inferior standard or assay.
Detailed Meaning
Literally referring to gold or coins of low standard or insufficient purity, it denotes something spurious, base, or counterfeit. In this couplet, it serves as an allegory for the hollow, morally debased values of Western materialism that pass for genuine worth. It directly contrasts with 'khara' (pure or authentic).
Etymology
Persian 'kam' (less, deficient) + Arabic ''iyar' (standard of weight, purity, or assay).
Usage
In classical poetry, it is predominantly used alongside metaphors of the goldsmith's touchstone to expose false pretensions versus true inner worth.
Examples
The base coin was rejected by the assayer.
External glitter could not hide his debased character.
Synonyms
खोटानाक़िसघटियाकम-क़द्र
Related Words
ज़रअयारकसौटीखरा