Word Meaning
तश्बीह
tashbeeh
Meaning
Comparison, simile, or likening one thing to another.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu rhetoric and poetics, tashbeeh refers to a simile or the act of likening two distinct objects based on a shared attribute. In this couplet, the poet questions the appropriateness of comparing a smiling, cheerful face to a candle, observing that a burning assembly candle inherently looks weeping and gloomy. Thus, it underscores a poetically flawed or ironic comparison.
Etymology
Arabic (تَشْبِيه), verbal noun of Form II from the triconsonantal root sh-b-h (ش ب ه), meaning to make similar or resemble.
Usage
Commonly used in classical ghazal discourse to evoke rhetorical comparisons, especially when debating or challenging traditional poetic metaphors.
Examples
likening a radiant countenance to the moon
an unconvincing simile drawn between parting and death