Word Meaning
बहतेरा
bahterā
Meaning
A great deal; very much; exceedingly; no matter how much.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu and Hindustani verse, 'bahterā' (a variant of 'bahuterā') serves as an intensive adverb meaning 'abundantly', 'repeatedly', or 'no matter how hard one tried'. In this couplet, it underscores an exhaustive yet entirely futile effort to pacify the enraged beloved, meaning 'though we coaxed and cajoled exceedingly, they remained displeased'.
Etymology
From Sanskrit 'bahu' (much, many) through Prakrit and Old Hindi / Braj 'bahuterā'.
Usage
Common in early and classical Rekhta poetry to dramatize the futility of excessive efforts to soothe the heart or pacify a stubborn beloved.
Examples
I reasoned with my heart a great deal, yet it remained restless.
However much they warned him, he refused to listen.