Word Meaning
ग़ैर-अज़
ghair-az
hipreposition
Meaning
Other than, except, besides, apart from.
Detailed Meaning
A Persian-Arabic compound preposition meaning 'other than' or 'apart from'. In the quoted couplet, it specifies that if life's primary purpose is nothing besides mere outward display, existence remains as transient as a spark. It is often employed in classical verse to establish strict exclusivity or philosophic conditions.
Etymology
Compound of Arabic 'ghayr' (غير - other, distinct) and Persian 'az' (از - from, than).
Usage
A high-register Persianate construction used in formal ghazal diction to emphasize that one thing is completely excluded or sole.
Examples
Nothing remains in heart ghair-az ishq.
Ghair-az fana there was no other path.
Synonyms
सिवाअलावाजुज़बग़ैर
Related Words
ग़ैरअज़नुमूदमुद्दआ