Meaning
A word, the utterance; the outward vessel of meaning in poetry.
Literally: word; the form of an expression
Usage & notes
Lafz is the word as form, classically opposed to maani, its meaning. Iqbal's poetics insists that lafz must serve maani, that beautiful words are hollow unless they carry living thought. He faults verse that dazzles with surface and starves the spirit.
Related words
ARABIC
Maani
Meaning, inner significance — as opposed to outer form.
PERSIAN
Sukhan
Speech, discourse, and especially poetry; the poet's crafted word.
ARABIC
Harf
A letter of the alphabet; also a word or particle of speech.
ARABIC
Kalaam
Speech, discourse; also scholastic theology, the rational defence of doctrine.