Word Meaning
निरा
Nira
Meaning
Mere, sheer, pure, only, completely.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'nira' functions as an adjective or adverb meaning mere, sheer, or absolute. In this couplet by Iqbal, it emphasizes that man is not 'merely' or 'strictly' a creature of rational intellect (sahib-e-idraak), but also carries a spark of mystical divine yearning. It serves to qualify and diminish mere worldly rationality in contrast to transcendent passion.
Etymology
Sanskrit / Hindavi (derived from Sanskrit 'nir' prefix denoting absence of other mixtures, hence pure or unmixed).
Usage
Commonly used in poetry to intensify a description or to denote that something is merely or completely of a certain quality.
Examples
Do not consider me merely a person of words.
All this worldly show is sheer illusion.