The correct spelling of the phrase "wast cognizant of" is actually "wast(e) cognisant of." The word "wast" is an archaic form of the verb "was" and is used in older English literature. "Cognisant" is spelled with an "s" instead of a "z" in British English, which is the dialect this phrase was likely taken from. The phonetic transcription for "cognisant" is /ˈkɒɡnɪz(ə)nt/. So, next time you come across this phrase, be sure to spell it correctly!
The phrase "wast cognizant of" can be understood by breaking it down into its individual components. Firstly, "wast" refers to the past tense second-person singular form of the verb "be" in Early Modern English, thus denoting the state of existence or being in the earlier stages of the language. Secondly, "cognizant" is an adjective that pertains to having awareness, comprehension, or knowledge of something. Lastly, the preposition "of" denotes a relationship between two entities, indicating that the subject is aware or knowledgeable about the object that follows.
Taken together, the phrase "wast cognizant of" can be interpreted to mean that someone in the past, specifically using the old form of "be," was aware or had knowledge of a specific concept, person, event, or information. It suggests that the subject possessed understanding or consciousness pertaining to the particular point or subject matter under consideration. However, it is important to note that this phrase is archaic and rarely used in contemporary English, as it belongs to an outdated linguistic era.
In summary, "wast cognizant of" signifies that a person, in earlier times, had an awareness or knowledge of something, which highlights their understanding of a specific subject or occurrence.