Word Meaning
मताअ
mataa'
Meaning
Commodity, merchandise, goods, wealth, or prized possession.
Detailed Meaning
In classical poetry, 'mataa'' signifies merchandise, worldly goods, or a cherished possession. In this couplet, it represents beauty as an exquisite, rare treasure rather than a commonplace article sold in ordinary shops. Poets often invoke it metaphorically to describe intangible treasures like love, pain, or the soul.
Etymology
Arabic (مَتَاع), derived from the root m-t-ʿ meaning provisions, goods, or articles of enjoyment.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'mataa'' commonly appears in genitive izafat compounds such as 'mataa-e-dil' or 'mataa-e-jaan' to portray inner emotional treasures.
Examples
mataa-e-lauh-o-qalam (the wealth of tablet and pen)
mataa-e-dil (the cherished asset of the heart)