ख़ाकी

Meaning

Earthy, made of dust or clay; mortal, terrestrial.

Detailed Meaning

Literally meaning composed of or pertaining to dust ('khāk'), it designates mortal, earthly existence. In classical and Sufi poetry, it frequently qualifies Adam or humankind ('ādam-e-khākī') to contrast man's humble clay origin with his celestial potential. In this couplet, it emphasizes the fragile yet cosmically consequential existence of earthly man.

Etymology

Persian: from 'khāk' (dust, earth) + the attributive suffix '-ī'.

Usage

In Urdu ghazal, it is traditionally contrasted with 'noori' (beings made of light, such as angels) to emphasize the divine paradox of man created from humble dust.

Examples

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Related Words