Word Meaning
सिर्फ़
sirf
Meaning
Only, merely, solely, nothing more than.
Detailed Meaning
'Sirf' functions as an adverb or adjective meaning 'merely' or 'only', delimiting or downplaying the scope of an action or object. In this couplet, it serves to trivialize the poet's own art, demoting poetry from an earnest display of skill to mere pastime. It carries an undertone of bitter disappointment and ironic resignation with an unappreciative world.
Etymology
From Arabic صَرْف (ṣarf), meaning turning, changing, expenditure, or pure; in Persian and Urdu, it evolved into an adverb meaning purely, solely, or merely.
Usage
In classical ghazal, 'sirf' frequently emphasizes exclusivity, utter lack of alternatives, or sorrowful limitation.
Examples
It was merely a dream that faded at dawn.
Nothing remained in the cup, only the dregs of longing.