पुर-नम

Meaning

Moist with tears, tearful, or filled with moisture.

Detailed Meaning

In Persian and Urdu poetics, 'pur-nam' denotes an eye or state laden with moisture, most frequently tears born of sorrow or silent longing. In this couplet, it serves to contrast the unconstrained, weeping drop of ocean water with the luminous, self-contained pearl formed through strict restraint.

Etymology

Persian compound formed from 'pur' (full, replete) and 'nam' (moisture, dampness).

Usage

In the ghazal tradition, it is almost invariably paired with 'chashm' (eye) to represent suppressed, sorrowful weeping.

Examples

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Related Words