Word Meaning
ना-मेहरबाँ
na-meharbaan
hiadjective
Meaning
Unkind, ungracious, aloof, or lacking benevolence and favor.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'na-mehrban' describes an indifferent or aloof beloved who withholds grace and affection. In this couplet, the speaker paradoxically finds solace in the beloved's constant cruelty, noting that being actively unmerciful still implies some form of attention.
Etymology
Persian compound of the negative prefix 'nā' and 'mihrbān' (loving, affectionate).
Usage
Frequently employed in ghazals to lament the typical aloofness, coldness, and lack of grace shown by the beloved toward the lover.
Examples
The unkind beloved remains indifferent to tears.
One should not expect pity from an unmerciful heart.
Synonyms
बे-मुरव्वतबे-रहमसितमगरना-क़द्रदान
Related Words
मेहरबाँमेहरबानीकरमजफ़ा