The correct spelling of the phrase "wast a source of" is actually "wasn't a source of". The word "wasn't" is a contraction of "was not". The IPA transcription for this phrase is /wɑːznt ə sɔːs əv/. The apostrophe in "wasn't" denotes the omission of the letter "o" in "not". It is important to use the correct spelling in order to convey the intended meaning of a message.
"Wast a source of" is not a common phrase that is found in standard dictionaries; however, it appears to be a truncated form of "was once a source of."
"Wast" is the archaic second-person singular past tense form of the verb "be," which means "to exist" or "to have reality or life." In modern English, we typically use "was" in place of "wast."
When used in association with "a source of," the phrase suggests that something used to serve as a provider or supplier of something else. It implies that the subject being referred to once had the ability or capacity to furnish or generate something.
For instance, if we say "The river wast a source of clean drinking water," it means that the river used to supply or produce clean water for drinking purposes. Similarly, "The factory wast a source of employment" conveys that the factory used to contribute to job opportunities or provide work to people.
Overall, "wast a source of" indicates a former state, emphasizing that the subject in question previously served as a means or origin for something specific. It highlights the aspect of loss or change over time, suggesting that the current situation may no longer reflect the previous condition.