Word Meaning
यक-उम्र
yak-umr
hinoun phrase
Meaning
A whole lifetime; an entire span of life.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, 'yak-umr' refers to a complete lifetime or a protracted duration of living. In Ghalib's verse, it signifies spending an entire lifetime strictly observant in piety ('wara'') before hoping for entry. It highlights the vast duration of effort, longing, or devotion preceding an outcome.
Etymology
Persian compound formed from 'yak' (one) and 'umr' (life/age, of Arabic origin).
Usage
Used in the ghazal to magnify the pathos of lifelong longing, patient suffering, or devotion set against the indifference of the beloved.
Examples
A lifetime of devotion gone unrewarded.
Wandering the desert of longing for a lifetime.
Synonyms
उम्र-भरतमाम उम्रता-हयातज़िंदगी-भर
Related Words
उम्रयक-दमउम्र-भरउम्र-ए-रवाँ