वास्ते

Meaning

For; for the sake of; on account of; why (in 'kis vaaste').

Detailed Meaning

In Urdu poetry, 'vaaste' primarily functions as a postposition meaning 'for the sake of' or 'on account of'. When combined as 'kis vaaste', as in this couplet, it idiomatically means 'why' or 'for what reason'. Here, the speaker questions why they are not valued if they are not seen as a precious jewel.

Etymology

Arabic wāsitah (واسطة), meaning means, medium, or intermediary, adapted into Persian and Urdu as an oblique form meaning 'for the sake of'.

Usage

Frequently used in ghazals both to indicate devotion ('tere vaaste') and to frame rhetorical questions of reproach ('kis vaaste').

Examples

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Related Words