Word Meaning
ज़ोम
zo'm
Meaning
Arrogant pride, presumption, vanity, or unwarranted self-confidence.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'za'm' (often pronounced or transliterated phonetically as 'zom') denotes vain pride, conceit, or an unfounded presumption. In the cited couplet, 'zom-e-junooñ' refers to a boastful pretension of madness or passionate fervor on the interrogator's part. The poet contrasts this loud, aggressive vanity of questioning with a quiet, deliberate disregard of offering any answer.
Etymology
Arabic root (ز-ع-م, z-ʿ-m), historically relating to asserting, claiming, or harboring a presumptuous belief.
Usage
Commonly employed in ghazals to censure the arrogant self-righteousness of the preacher (zahid) or an excessively haughty beloved.
Examples
lost in the pride of piety
the vanity of youth and beauty