Word Meaning
खोते
khote
Meaning
Losing, sacrificing, or relinquishing continuously.
Detailed Meaning
In Urdu poetics, the participle form 'khote'—especially when doubled as 'khote khote'—denotes the gradual loss or surrender of something precious. In this couplet, it signifies relinquishing one's heart or life (jī) in the pursuit of the beloved's ruby lips. It highlights the classical paradox where spiritual or aesthetic gain is achieved solely through total self-loss.
Etymology
From Prakrit 'khovai', ultimately traced to Sanskrit root related to loss/depletion, evolving into Hindi/Urdu 'khonā'.
Usage
Commonly used in classical ghazals in the reduplicated form 'khote khote' to depict the lingering, painful surrender of life or sanity in love.
Examples
Losing one's heart slowly in love
Surrendering oneself step by step