Word Meaning
सुभाव
subhāv
hinoun
Meaning
Disposition, inherent nature, temperament, or customary habit.
Detailed Meaning
In classical poetry, 'subhav' denotes one's innate temperament, habit, or natural character. In this couplet, it refers to the beloved's persistent and unjustified cruelty, framing unjust killing as an ingrained behavioral trait. The poet questions how such mercilessness could become someone's very nature.
Etymology
Sanskrit 'svabhāva' (स्वभाव: sva + bhāva), assimilated into Prakrit, Braj Bhasha, and classical Hindustani/Urdu as 'subhāv'.
Usage
Frequently found in early Rekhta and classical ghazal as an Indic counterpart to the Persian-Arabic 'mizāj' or 'fitrat'.
Examples
What a cruel disposition you have acquired.
To love and endure is our very nature.
Synonyms
स्वभावमिज़ाजफ़ितरतआदत
Related Words
सुलूकख़सलतबानी