Word Meaning
नक़ाब
naqāb
hinoun
Meaning
A veil, face covering, mask, or concealing shroud.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'naqab' denotes a veil or outer covering that conceals beauty, truth, or inward reality. In this couplet, it represents the subtle outer barrier of a mere speck of dust, within which a yearning, restless heart lies hidden.
Etymology
Arabic root n-q-b (ن-ق-ب), giving rise to 'niqāb' (a veil covering the face).
Usage
Widely used in ghazals to contrast with manifestation (jalwa) and the state of being unveiled (be-parda).
Examples
To lift the veil from the face of beauty
Hidden behind the veil of modesty
Synonyms
पर्दाहिजाबघूंघट
Related Words
बे-नक़ाबनक़ाब-पोशजलवा