Word Meaning
मता
mataa'
Meaning
Goods, merchandise, wealth, prized possession, or commodity.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu poetics, 'mataa' denotes precious goods, merchandise, or prized possessions. In the provided couplet, it forms the izafat construct 'mata-e-dil' (the wealth or commodity of the heart), depicting tender emotions and devotion as invaluable wares that find no appreciative buyers. It conveys both rare spiritual worth and tragic neglect in the worldly marketplace.
Etymology
Arabic (مَتَاع, matā‘), meaning goods, provisions, or chattels.
Usage
Frequently used in genitive constructions like 'mata-e-jaan' (the treasure of life) or 'mata-e-dard' (the riches of grief) to portray abstract feelings as tenderly hoarded goods.
Examples
the caravan's precious wealth was plundered
the soul's true merchandise cannot be bought with gold