Pronunciation: [wɒst ɡlˈad] (IPA) 
The spelling of "wast glad" may seem unusual to some, but it follows the rules of Early Modern English. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written /wɑːst ɡlæd/. "Wast" is the second person singular past tense form of "be," while "glad" means happy. So "wast glad" simply means "were happy." This archaic spelling may be difficult for modern readers, but it reflects the language of Shakespeare and other writers of his time.
"Wasn't glad" or "wast glad" is an archaic expression derived from Middle English and Old English, used to describe a state of not feeling glad or happy. The term consists of two parts, "wast" and "glad," both of which are no longer commonly used in modern English.
"Wast" is an archaic form of the verb "to be," specifically the second-person singular past tense of "to be." It originated from Old English and is essentially equivalent to the modern form "were not." It denotes the absence or negation of being glad or happy, indicating a lack of joy or satisfaction.
On the other hand, "glad" is an adjective that has survived into modern English. It signifies a state of happiness, joy, or contentment. In the context of "wast glad," it implies the absence of such positive emotions.
When combined, "wast glad" suggests a negative emotional state, indicating one's lack of joy or satisfaction with a particular situation or event. It emphasizes the opposite of being pleased, content, or gratified.
Although "wast glad" is not widely used in contemporary language, understanding its meaning contributes to comprehending texts from older literature or historical documents where archaic language and expressions are employed.
The phrase "wast glad" is a combination of two words with distinct etymologies: "wast" and "glad".
1. "Wast": In this context, "wast" is the archaic second-person singular past form of the verb "be". It originated from Old English "wǣre", which eventually evolved into Middle English "were" and then "wast". The modern form of this verb is "were", as in "you were glad". In Old English, "wæren" was used for plural forms, while "wǣre" was used for the singular second person.
2. "Glad": The word "glad" can be traced back to Middle English and Old English. In Old English, it was "glæd", meaning "bright" or "shining". This word is similar to the Germanic root "gladaz".
