مطلب
matlab
In Urdu, the word for "meaning" is مطلب (matlab).
While مطلب refers to the linguistic meaning of a word, it is very frequently used to refer to someone's ulterior motive or self-interest.
Meaning: definition or connotation of a word (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word مطلب can literally mean "purpose", "meaning" or "interest".
Which one should you use?
The form معنی is used to convey the sense or significance of a word or phrase and is a more formal and strictly linguistic term than the common speech form مطلب. If you wish to denote the explanation or interpretation of the meaning of something, use تشریح. For a common and standard formal word for meaning, use مفہوم.
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask "What is the meaning?" you say مطلب کیا ہے؟.
How do you pronounce it?
matlab
Did you know?
- The word مطلب is used to describe a 'selfish' person in Urdu. A person who only acts according to their own 'meaning' or interest is called a مطلبی 'matlabi'.
- The word مطلب is derived from the Arabic root meaning 'to seek' or 'to demand'. This connects the idea of a word's 'meaning' to something that is being actively pursued or requested.
- The use of مطلب to denote self-interest is so ingrained that the phrase مطلب کی دوستی 'matlab ki dosti' describes a friendship based solely on mutual benefit rather than affection.
Examples in context
- اس شاعری کی تشریح کرتے ہوئے، اپنی رائے ظاہر کریں۔Explain the meaning of this poetry and express your opinion.
- اس لفظ کا مطلب کیا ہے؟is lafz ka matlab kya hai?What is the meaning of this word?
- مجھے اس جملے کا مطلب سمجھ نہیں آیا۔mujhe is jumlay ka matlab samajh nahi aya.I did not understand the meaning of this sentence.
- اس کا ایک اور مطلب بھی ہو سکتا ہے۔is ka ek aur matlab bhi ho sakta hai.It could also have another meaning.
Example conversation
Ali and Aisha are studying English vocabulary together.
- علی Aliعائشہ، کیا تمہیں اس لفظ کا مطلب معلوم ہے؟Aisha, kya tumhein is lafz ka matlab maloom hai?Aisha, do you know the meaning of this word?
- عائشہ Ayeshaنہیں، علی، مجھے اس کا مطلب نہیں معلوم۔nahi, Ali, mujhe is ka matlab nahi maloom.No, Ali, I do not know its meaning.
- علی Aliمیں اسے ڈکشنری میں دیکھتا ہوں۔mein ise dictionary mein dekhta hoon.I will look it up in the dictionary.
- عائشہ Ayeshaشکریہ، یہ بہت مددگار ہوگا۔shukria, yeh bohat madadgar hoga.Thank you, that will be very helpful.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries مطلب, CC BY-SA 4.0.
