Word Meaning
सुनते
sunte
Meaning
hearing, listening, or learning of something repeatedly over time
Detailed Meaning
In classical Urdu verse, 'sunte' serves as an imperfective participle, often paired with auxiliary verbs like 'aaye hain' to denote an ongoing or traditional reception of lore ('we have been hearing all along'). In Ghalib's couplet, it highlights how the legendary expulsion of Adam from Eden is a commonplace tale that everyone has grown up hearing. This familiar historical tradition is placed in stark contrast with the lover's immediate, far more shameful eviction from the beloved's street.
Etymology
From Sanskrit 'शृणोति' (śṛṇoti) via Prakrit 'सुणइ' (suṇaï), evolving into Hindustani 'सुनना' (sunnā).
Usage
Commonly employed in idioms such as 'sunte hain' to introduce rumors or hearsay, and 'sunte aaye hain' to denote traditional lore.
Examples
We have been hearing tales of parting since long ago.
They kept listening to the sorrowful state of the heart.