The phrase "gotten under way" means to start or begin something. The spelling of "gotten" may seem unusual, but it is a common form in American English. The IPA phonetic transcription for "gotten" is /ˈɡɑtn/ - this indicates that the "o" in "got" is pronounced like the "a" in "father". The pronunciation of "under way" is straightforward, with the IPA transcription being /ˈʌndər weɪ/. Despite the odd spelling, "gotten under way" is a widely recognized and used phrase in English.
The phrase "gotten under way" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the process of initiating or starting something, especially an activity or event that has been planned or organized. It signifies the beginning of an action, often with a sense of momentum or progress.
"Gotten" is the past participle of "get," meaning to obtain, acquire, or become involved in something. "Under way" is a nautical term that refers to a ship or boat being in motion or beginning its voyage.
When combined, "gotten under way" implies that a planned task, project, or event has commenced and is now in progress. It suggests that the initial steps have been taken, and there is a sense of movement or forward motion towards the desired objective. The phrase emphasizes the idea of setting things in motion and denotes the transition from a state of inactivity to active engagement.
However, it is worth noting that "gotten under way" is more commonly used in American English, while British English prefers the term "got under way." Regardless of regional variations, the phrase universally conveys the notion of starting something and embarking on a journey, whether it be a physical voyage, an event, or any planned activity.