ख़ंदा

Meaning

Laughter, smile, or cheerful mirth.

Detailed Meaning

In classical Persian and Urdu poetry, 'khanda' signifies laughter, smiling, or joyful blooming. In this couplet by Ghalib, the compound 'khanda-e-dil' likens the snapping open of a rosebud to the ecstatic laughter of the heart triggered by the beloved's radiant presence. The imagery draws on the poetic convention equating the blossoming of a bud with smiling or laughter.

Etymology

Persian (خنده), derived from the infinitive 'khandīdan' (خندیدن), meaning to laugh or smile.

Usage

In the ghazal tradition, 'khanda' frequently appears metaphorically to describe the opening of a rosebud (the flower 'laughing') or in compounds like 'khanda-peshani' (cheerful demeanor).

Examples

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Related Words