Word Meaning
ब-नाम
ba-nām
hiadverb
Meaning
In name only; nominally; merely by title.
Detailed Meaning
The compound 'ba-nām' means nominally, merely in name, or entitled to. In this couplet, it evokes an existence that is purely nominal and physically untraceable, mirroring the legendary bird Anqa whose name is famed yet whose physical reality is absent. It portrays the poet's transient and elusive presence in the mundane world.
Etymology
Persian compound formed from the preposition 'ba' (with, by, in) and 'nām' (name).
Usage
In classical ghazals, it often underscores the illusory, phantom-like nature of human existence or is used to dedicate a deed in the name of love.
Examples
existence preserved in name only
known to the world merely by name
Synonyms
बराए-नामनाम-मात्रनाम-भर
Related Words
नामगुम-नामनेक-नामबद-नाम