Word Meaning
मा'नी
ma'ni
Meaning
Meaning, significance, sense, or substance of words.
Detailed Meaning
In poetry, it denotes the inner essence, depth, or significance of poetic thought as opposed to mere outward form (lafz or surat). In the cited couplet, the poet defiantly embraces the accusation of obscurity, declaring indifference even if his poetry is deemed devoid of conventional sense or substance. It often represents philosophical profundity that eludes superficial understanding.
Etymology
Arabic مَعْنًى (maʿnā, pl. maʿānī), from the root ع-ن-ي (ʿ-n-y) denoting 'to intend, mean, or concern'.
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, 'ma'ni' is frequently juxtaposed with 'lafz' (word) or 'surat' (form) to contrast internal substance with external expression.
Examples
A world of meaning hidden in a single word
Beyond the outward form lies the true meaning