तबस्सुम

Meaning

A gentle smile or faint, silent laughter.

Detailed Meaning

In classical poetry, 'tabassum' denotes a faint, delicate smile rather than loud laughter. In this couplet, it signifies the beloved's alluring and fleeting smile that keeps the lover suspended in anticipation while time passes away.

Etymology

Arabic verbal noun (tabassum), derived from the root b-s-m meaning 'to smile'.

Usage

In the ghazal tradition, 'tabassum' symbolizes subtle, often agonizingly brief favor or cruelty shown by the beloved.

Examples

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Related Words