The phrasal verb "was something" is spelled with a /wʌz/ sound for "was" followed by the /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ sound for "something". This phrase can be challenging for English language learners because it is not always pronounced with a clear separation between the two words. Instead, the "s" sound in "was" and the "s" sound in "something" often blend together, creating a smooth, flowing sound. Nevertheless, with practice, learners can master the spelling and pronunciation of this common phrase.
"Was something" is a colloquial phrase commonly used to describe an exceptional or remarkable event, entity, or experience. It signifies that the thing being referred to possessed a quality that was truly impressive, notable, or outstanding in some way.
The phrase consists of two parts: "was" and "something." "Was" is the past tense of the verb "to be," which indicates a state of existence or identity. When used in this phrase, "was" implies that the subject had a particular quality or characteristic that placed it above average or expectation.
The term "something" signifies an unspecified or undefined thing. It represents the uniqueness or specialness of the referred item or occurrence, showcasing that it is difficult to categorize accurately or describe adequately. This sense of indescribable exceptionalism reinforces the idea that it was truly remarkable.
For instance, someone might say, "That party last night was something!" in response to a particularly enjoyable or memorable gathering. In this context, the speaker is emphasizing that the party was extraordinary, evoking a sense of mystique or awe.
Overall, "was something" is an idiomatic expression that implies an extraordinary or remarkable quality beyond normal experiences, and is typically used to express amazement, surprise, or admiration.
The etymology of the phrase "was something" can be understood by examining the individual words that compose it.
1. Was: The word "was" is the past tense of the verb "to be" in English. It derives from the Old English word "wæs" and can be traced back to Proto-Germanic "wesaną". This ancient Germanic word ultimately originated from the Proto-Indo-European root "*h₁es-", meaning "to be" or "to exist".
2. Something: The word "something" is a compound of "some" and "thing".
- "Some" comes from the Old English word "sum", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "sumaz" meaning "some" or "a certain". This word also has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European root "*sem-", meaning "one", "as one", or "together".