Word Meaning
मश्क़
Mashq
Meaning
Practice, exercise, rehearsal, discipline, or repeated effort to master a skill
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu and Persian-influenced poetry, 'mashq' refers to rigorous practice, rehearsal, or the continuous honing of an art or craft (such as writing, calligraphy, or poetry). Metaphorically, classical poets frequently invoke it to denote the endurance of pain, habituation to hardship, or the beloved's repeated cruelty (as in 'mashq-e-sitam').
Etymology
Arabic 'mashq' (مَشْق), originally meaning stretching, drawing out, or practicing writing/calligraphy; borrowed into Persian and Hindustani/Urdu as general practice or drill.
Usage
Widely used in compound genitive phrases (ezaafat) in ghazals, notably 'mashq-e-sukhan' (the craft/practice of poetry) and 'mashq-e-sitam' (the practice of tormenting the lover).
Examples
mashq-e-suxan jaarii chakkii kii mashaqqat bhii / ik tarfaa tamaashaa hai 'hasrat' kii tabii'at bhii — Hasrat Mohani