Pronunciation: [wɒz tˈʌf] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "was tough" in English can be explained through IPA phonetic transcription. The first word, "was," is spelled with a short "o" sound as in "wahz" /wʌz/. The second word, "tough," is spelled with a combination of the "uh" sound as in "tuh" /tʌ/, and the "f" sound as in "f" /f/. Together, the phrase is pronounced as "wahz tuhf" /wʌz tʌf/, and means that something was difficult or challenging.
The phrase "was tough" is an informal expression that indicates a situation or experience characterized by difficulty, challenge, or hardship. It suggests the presence of various obstacles, complexities, or demanding circumstances that one has encountered or undergone.
When a situation "was tough," it implies that it required considerable effort, strength, or resilience to navigate or overcome. It may encompass physical, emotional, or mental obstacles that tested an individual's capabilities and resolve. Such situations are often regarded as endurance tests, forcing individuals to push their limits and confront adversity head-on.
In a broader context, "was tough" can refer to circumstances that were arduous, demanding, or rigorous in nature. It can describe challenges encountered in various domains, including work, education, relationships, sports, or personal development. Furthermore, it can encapsulate both external factors such as competitive environments, high expectations, or unfavorable conditions, as well as internal factors like self-doubt, fear, or uncertainty.
Additionally, the phrase "was tough" can imply a sense of struggle and perseverance, suggesting that despite the difficulties faced, one managed to endure and come out stronger or wiser from the experience. It often connotes a sense of achievement or personal growth resulting from successfully navigating the challenging circumstances.
Overall, "was tough" is a versatile phrase that depicts a demanding, strenuous, and arduous experience or situation requiring resilience, determination, and perseverance to overcome.
The word "was tough" does not have etymology on its own. However, each individual word in the phrase has its own etymology.
1. Was: The word "was" is the past tense of the verb "to be". It originated from Old English "wæs" and has roots in West Germanic languages. It has evolved over time, and its etymology can be traced back to Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European origins.
2. Tough: The word "tough" originated from Middle English "tough" or "tuff", which meant "difficult to break or chew". It further developed from Old English "toh", meaning "rough, coarse". The etymology of "tough" can be traced back to Proto-Germanic origins, specifically the word "*tungkhaz".
