The phrase "wast even" may seem like a strange spelling to some, but it actually uses the Middle English word "wast" meaning "was" and the now-archaic adverb "even" meaning "exactly" or "precisely." The pronunciation of "wast" is similar to "wahst" with a short "a" sound and a soft "t" at the end. "Even" is pronounced "ee-vuhn" with a long "e" sound and an emphasis on the second syllable. Together, "wast even" means "was exactly," a phrase that is rarely used today.
"Wast even" is an archaic phrase that was commonly used during the Early Modern English period, primarily from the 16th to the early 18th century. The phrase is derived from Middle English and was used as a way to address someone, typically in the second person, with a sense of equality or familiarity.
The word "wast" is the second person singular past tense of the verb "to be" and is a contraction of "were you." It is derived from Old English and is no longer in common usage in Modern English. The term "even" refers to "equal" or "level," indicating that both the speaker and the person being addressed are on the same level or equal in some way. Hence, "wast even" essentially means "were you equal" or "were you on the same level."
In its historical context, "wast even" may have been used to create a cordial or friendly tone, especially when addressing someone of similar social status or acquaintance. It conveys a degree of familiarity and camaraderie. However, this phrase has fallen out of use since the Early Modern English period and is considered obsolete in the contemporary English language.
The phrase "wast even" is derived from Middle English.
The word "wast" comes from the Middle English word "wasten", which means "to waste" or "to destroy".
The word "even" comes from the Old English word "efne", which means "equal" or "even".
When combined, "wast even" forms a phrase that roughly translates to "equally wasted" or "equally ruined". It suggests a state of being completely wasted or destroyed in an equal or balanced manner.