Pronunciation: [wɒz t͡ʃˈiːp] (IPA) 
The spelling of "was cheap" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /wəz tʃiːp/. The first syllable "was" is pronounced with the schwa sound /ə/ and the voiced alveolar fricative /z/. The second syllable "cheap" is pronounced with the long vowel sound /iː/ and the voiceless palato-alveolar affricate /tʃ/. This phrase means that something had a low cost or was sold at a low price.
"Was cheap" is a past tense phrase used to describe something that had a low or affordable price at a particular point in time. It is an expression typically used to indicate the past cost of an item or service, reflecting its inexpensive nature.
When referring to an object or product, "was cheap" implies that its cost was considered relatively low compared to other similar items on the market or in a particular context. This phrase indicates that the price paid for the item in the past was affordable or economical, allowing the buyer to acquire it without significant financial burden.
"Was cheap" can also describe a service that was available at a low cost in the past. It suggests that the price charged for the service was relatively reasonable and accessible for consumers, often making it a popular or sought-after option.
However, it is important to note that the perception of what is considered "cheap" may vary depending on personal preferences, individual financial situations, location, and time period. What may have been considered cheap in the past may differ from present-day standards or expectations. Thus, the term "was cheap" should be understood in its specific historical and contextual context to accurately assess the value or cost of something in the past.
The phrase "was cheap" is not a single word, but rather a combination of words. "Was" is a past tense form of the verb "to be", and "cheap" is an adjective that means something of low price or worth.
The word "cheap" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled "ceap" and originally meant "bargain" or "barter". It can be further traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "kaupaz", which meant "buying" or "trade". This proto-word is also related to other Germanic languages such as Old Norse "kaup" and Old High German "chouf".
Over time, the meaning of "cheap" evolved to refer specifically to something being of low price or inexpensive.
