Word Meaning
ज़ि-बस
zi-bas
Meaning
So much, to such a degree, exceedingly, or because.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Persian poetry, 'zi-bas' (a contraction of 'az-bas') signifies an intense degree or causality, meaning 'so much that' or 'to such an extent'. In this couplet, Ghalib employs it to emphasize the overwhelming manner in which fire took on a wondrous hue in the season of color. It sets up the hyperbole that follows regarding the rose's flame and the thorn's wick.
Etymology
Persian, contraction of 'az-bas' (from 'az' meaning from/by + 'bas' meaning enough/much).
Usage
A poetic archaism frequently used by classical poets to establish cause-and-effect or to introduce extreme emotional and visual hyperboles.
Examples
zi-bas girya kiya (wept so exceedingly)
zi-bas shauq fuzun tha (longing was so intense)