Word Meaning
ख़ूब-रूई
khūb-rū'ī
Meaning
Beauty, comeliness, or the state of having a lovely face.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, the term denotes facial beauty, charm, and radiance. In this couplet, it is juxtaposed against 'mastoorī' (veiling or concealment), suggesting that true beauty cannot remain hidden forever because its intrinsic nature demands revelation and expression. It reflects the philosophical and aesthetic paradox of beauty seeking concealment versus its urge to be witnessed.
Etymology
Persian compound formed from 'khūb' (beautiful, fine), 'rū' (face), and the abstract noun suffix '-ī'.
Usage
Commonly used in ghazals to evoke the irresistible allure of the beloved that inevitably breaks through the veil.
Examples
Her renowned comeliness became the talk of the entire gathering.
Comeliness and seclusion rarely abide in the same place.
