Word Meaning
पेश-तर
pesh-tar
Meaning
Before, ahead, forward, previously, or prior to.
Detailed Meaning
In Persian and classical Urdu, 'peshtar' primarily denotes temporal priority ('before' or 'earlier') or spatial advancement ('ahead' or 'forward'). In Ghalib's verse, it is employed in a vivid spatial sense, describing the inanimate doors and walls taking steps forward to greet the arriving beloved. The word emphasizes the eager anticipation that animates even static structures.
Etymology
Persian: derived from 'pesh' (front, before) combined with the comparative suffix '-tar' (further, more).
Usage
In classical poetry, it is versatilely used both in temporal contexts (before) and spatial contexts (advancing ahead).
Examples
chand qadam pesh-tar badhna (to step a few paces forward)
is vaaqiye se pesh-tar (before this event took place)