• Type: Noun
• Origin: Derived from Persian, where "آب" primarily means water. In Urdu, it retains both its literal and metaphorical senses.
• Primary Meaning: The life-giving substance, water, essential for survival and symbol of purity.
• Secondary Meaning: Metaphorically used to denote brilliance, shine, luster, or prestige (e.g., آب و تاب = brightness and glory).
• Cultural & Poetic Significance: In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, "آب" is often used symbolically for purity, clarity, or beauty. It is also used to describe the shine of jewels, swords, or even the brilliance of speech.
• Religious Reference: In Islamic context, water (آب) is considered sacred, vital for ablution (وضو) and purification rituals.
• SEO/Extended Usage: Related terms include drinking water, purity, brightness, prestige, jewel shine, nature.
Expanded Features:
• Polarity: Positive
• Register: Both literary and common usage
• Pragmatic Sense: Vitality, Purity, Brilliance
Synonyms (Urdu): پانی، تری، روشنی، جلا
Synonyms (English): water, brilliance, radiance, shine, luster
Antonyms (Urdu): خشکی، پیاس، تاریکی
Antonyms (English): dryness, thirst, darkness, dullness
Key Nuances:
• Literal meaning: life-sustaining water.
• Figurative meaning: brilliance, glory, or prestige.
• Symbolic in literature and culture: used to praise beauty or honor.
Usage Contexts:
• Daily life: drinking and survival.
• Literature: symbol of beauty, purity, and grace.
• Religious rituals: purification and ablution.
Example Sentences:
Urdu: دریا کا آب بہت شفاف ہے۔
English: The river’s water is very clear.
Urdu: اس کی باتوں میں بڑا آب و تاب تھا۔
English: His words carried great brilliance and glory.
Urdu: ہیرا اپنی آب سے پہچانا جاتا ہے۔
English: A diamond is recognized by its luster.
Cultural Insight:
The word "آب" is deeply embedded in Urdu idioms and expressions such as "آبِ حیات" (Elixir of Life), "آبرو" (honor or prestige), and "آب و تاب" (splendor). In Persian and Urdu literature, poets like Ghalib and Iqbal have frequently used the word as a metaphor for eternal beauty and divine blessings.
Related Terms:
• آبِ حیات (Aab-e-Hayat): Water of life
• آبرو (Aabroo): Honor, dignity
• آب و تاب (Aab-o-Tab): Brilliance, splendor
• آبشار (Aabshar): Waterfall