देते

Meaning

Give, grant, bestow, or offer (habitual or present honorific/plural form).

Detailed Meaning

In Urdu and Hindi, 'dete' is the imperfective participle of the verb 'dena' (to give), used here as a finite verb expressing habitual action in the honorific or plural masculine form. In this couplet by Ghalib, it functions within the negative phrase 'bosa dete nahin' (they do not grant a kiss), contrasting the beloved's refusal of physical grace with their avaricious gaze. It encapsulates the classical poetical theme of the beloved stingily withholding favors while eagerly demanding devotion.

Etymology

Inherited from Old Indo-Aryan Sanskrit दा (dā) / ददाति (dadāti) via Middle Indo-Aryan Prakrit देइ (deï) into Hindustani देना (denā).

Usage

Commonly employed in Urdu poetry to depict the beloved either dispensing boons (lutf, bosa) or dealing out grief and affliction (dard, gham).

Examples

Synonyms

Related Words