The spelling of the phrase "wast intemperate" uses archaic English, which can be confusing to modern English speakers. The word "wast" is the second person singular past tense of the verb "be" and is pronounced /wʌst/. "Intemperate" is spelled with "-temper-" rather than "-temp-" as in modern English, and is pronounced /ɪnˈtɛmpərət/. The phrase means "you were not moderate or restrained", and is an example of how language has evolved over time, with words changing in pronunciation and spelling.
"Wast intemperate" is a phrase that combines two distinct words: "wast" which is the archaic form of "were," and "intemperate." As such, it is crucial to separate and understand the meanings of both terms.
"Wast" is the second person singular past tense and past subjunctive of the verb "to be," primarily used in the English language during the Middle English period. It is no longer in common use today and has been replaced by the modern equivalent "were." Consequently, "wast intemperate" signifies that the subject (addressed in the second person) were intemperate or displayed intemperance in the past.
"Intemperate" is an adjective used to describe a person or their behavior that lacks moderation or self-control, often associated with excessive or immoderate indulgence in food, drink, or other pleasures. It suggests a lack of restraint, excessiveness, or immoderation. An individual who is intemperate may exhibit unrestrained behavior, have difficulty in controlling their impulses, or act in a way that exceeds accepted social norms.
In summary, the phrase "wast intemperate" indicates that the addressed person was characterized by a lack of self-control, going beyond the limits of moderation, either in their actions or in their consumption of food, drink, or other indulgences.
The phrase "wast intemperate" does not have a specific etymology since it is a combination of two words: "wast" and "intemperate". However, we can explore the etymology of each individual word:
1. Wast: "Wast" is the archaic second-person singular past tense of the verb "be" in Middle English. It is derived from the Old English word "wǣre", which means "you were". The Old English word has Germanic origins, ultimately originating from the Proto-Germanic word "was".
2. Intemperate: "Intemperate" comes from the Latin word "intemperatus", which means "not moderate" or "immoderate".