Word Meaning
सूरतें
suuratein
hinoun (plural)
Meaning
Faces, countenances, or forms (plural).
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu poetry, 'suuratein' denotes human faces, physical forms, or beautiful countenances. In this famous couplet by Ghalib, it poetically symbolizes the magnificent beauties and departed souls buried beneath the soil. The poet reflects mournfully on how many exquisite faces remain hidden forever in the dust.
Etymology
Arabic ṣūrah (صورة) meaning form, picture, or appearance, pluralized in Urdu with the suffix '-eñ'.
Usage
Commonly contrasted with 'seerat' (inner character) or used alone to evoke fleeting physical beauty lost to death or time.
Examples
What beautiful countenances now sleep beneath the dust.
Countenances that once illuminated gatherings are seen no more.
Synonyms
चेहरेशक्लेंरुख़्सार
Related Words
सूरतसीरततस्वीर