The phrase "wast in want" is an old English expression that means to experience need or poverty, even if you were once wealthy. The spelling may seem unusual, but it reflects the pronunciation of English in Shakespeare's time. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), "wast" is pronounced /wɑːst/ and "want" is pronounced /wɒnt/. The -st ending in "wast" indicates the past tense, while the -ant ending in "want" indicates a continuous state.
"Wast in want" is an archaic phrase that combines two words with contrasting meanings to express a state of being deprived or lacking in something.
The term "wast" is the archaic second-person singular past tense of the verb "to be" in English. This suggests that the statement is addressing an individual directly. It conveys a sense of existence or presence in the past, indicating that the individual once was but no longer is.
On the other hand, "want" refers to the lack or absence of something that is desired or needed. It denotes a state of deficiency or insufficiency, suggesting that the individual is deprived of or lacking in a particular thing.
When combined, "wast in want" alludes to an individual who previously existed or was present but is currently experiencing a state of need or lack. This combination of opposite words creates a paradoxical expression, emphasizing the dramatic shift from a previous state to the present state of deprivation.
Although the phrase is considered old-fashioned and rarely used in contemporary English, it might be encountered in classic literary works or historical texts. By understanding the individual meanings of "wast" and "want" and how they work in conjunction, one can grasp the intended meaning of "wast in want" - the depiction of a person who once was but presently experiences a state of lack or deprivation.