Pronunciation: [wɒst ˈaŋʃəs] (IPA) 
The correct spelling for the phrase "wast anxious" is actually "was anxious". This mistake may be due to the fact that the pronunciation of "was" and "wast" is the same, or /wʌz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. However, "wast" is an archaic second person singular past tense form of "be", which is no longer in use today. Therefore, if you want to express anxiety in the past tense, the correct phrase is "was anxious".
"Wast anxious" is an archaic phrase used in older English texts, particularly during the Middle Ages. The phrase derives from Old English and has a slightly different meaning compared to the modern usage of the word "anxious." It is a combination of the verb "wast" (past tense of "to be") and the adjective "anxious," indicating a state of apprehension, worry, or unease.
In this context, "wast anxious" suggests a heightened level of distress or concern, often related to an imminent or ongoing situation. It denotes a state of being troubled or troubled in mind. It implies a feeling of restlessness and a preoccupation with negative thoughts or uncertainties.
The term "wast anxious" can also convey a sense of experiencing extreme agitation, restlessness, or uneasiness, possibly accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heartbeat, trembling, or a sense of impending doom.
In literature or historical texts, one might come across this phrase as an expression of mental distress or a portrayal of characters who are deeply troubled, disturbed, or consumed by worry or fear. It adds a descriptive element to the emotions and states of mind experienced by individuals in a specific historical or narrative context.
Although not commonly used in contemporary English, "wast anxious" provides insight into the evolution of language and the nuances of past cultural expressions when exploring literature or historical documentation.
The phrase "wast anxious" does not seem to have an established or widely recognized etymology. It is possible that it is a phrase or combination of words specific to a certain dialect, region, or context. Without more information about the context or origin of the phrase, it is difficult to determine its etymology with certainty.
However, individually, the words "wast" and "anxious" can be examined in terms of their etymology:
- "Wast" is the archaic second-person singular past tense of the verb "be", used in older forms of English. It is derived from Old English "wǣre" and Middle English "were". Its ultimate origin is traced back to the Proto-Germanic root *wesaną.
- "Anxious" derives from Latin "anxius", which meant "worried" or "troubled".
