Word Meaning
सिफ़ाली
sifaali
hiadjective
Meaning
Made of clay or earthenware; earthen.
Detailed Meaning
Derived from the Persian 'sifal' (clay or earthenware), this adjective denotes an object fashioned from baked earth or terracotta. In poetry, it commonly qualifies a drinking bowl ('jaam-e-sifaali'), representing simplicity, fragility, and earthly origin. In this couplet, the earth itself is envisioned as an overflowing earthenware goblet filled with the joyous surge of springtime.
Etymology
Persian (from 'sifāl' meaning clay/earthenware + relative suffix '-ī')
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, it stands in poetic contrast to jeweled or crystalline cups, representing ascetic humility, poverty, and mortal frailty.
Examples
jaam-e-sifaali (an earthen cup)
sifaali paimaana (a clay goblet)
Synonyms
ख़ाकीगिलीमृण्मय
Related Words
सिफ़ालख़ाकगिलकूज़ा