Word Meaning
मलाल
malaal
Meaning
Grief, sorrow, sadness, dejection, or lingering regret.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'malaal' signifies a deep, quiet sadness, exhaustion of spirit, or unexpressed regret. In this couplet by Mir, it specifically denotes the faint, visible shadow of melancholy or dejection resting upon the poet's face. It captures both an internal spiritual weariness and its perceptible outward manifestation.
Etymology
Arabic (مَلَال, malāl), from the root m-l-l, denoting weariness, languor, or feeling troubled and dejected.
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, 'malaal' often signifies an unspoken grief or quiet heartache caused by the beloved's indifference.
Examples
Not a trace of sorrow remained in the wounded heart.
The lines of lingering dejection were visible upon his face.