Word Meaning
शम्अ-नमत
sham'a-namat
hiadverb
Meaning
Like a candle; in the manner of a candle.
Detailed Meaning
A Persian compound formed from the Arabic-derived 'sham'a' (candle) and the Persian suffix 'namat' (like, in the manner of). In this couplet, it describes the endurance and sacrifice of a candle, which lets its wick ('head') be clipped and consumed down to nothing, contrasting with the moth that lacks such fortitude.
Etymology
Arabic 'sham'a' (candle, wax) + Persian suffix 'namat' (manner, resembling, like).
Usage
Commonly used in classical ghazal to denote the lover's steadfast, quiet, and sacrificial endurance compared to a burning candle.
Examples
burning patiently like a candle
sacrificing one's head in the manner of a candle
Synonyms
शम्अ-साशम्अ-मानंदशम्अ-वश
Related Words
शम्अपरवानापतंगफ़ना