The correct spelling of the phrase "wast ready" is actually "was't ready". The contraction "was't" is short for "was not", and the apostrophe represents the missing letter "n". The pronunciation of "was't" is /wɑːnt/. This phrase was commonly used in Early Modern English literature and is still occasionally used in modern times. It is important to understand the history and context of language in order to correctly interpret and use it in communication.
"Wast ready" is an archaic phrase derived from the English language, which can be interpreted as a combination of two words: "wast" and "ready." Each word possesses its own historical context, contributing to the overall meaning of the phrase.
The word "wast" is an obsolete form of the verb "to be." It originates from the Middle English "wast," which evolved from the Old English "wæs." It was commonly employed in the second person singular in past tense. Therefore, "wast" signifies "you were" or "you did exist" in an antiquated context.
On the other hand, "ready" is an adjective that has retained its meaning throughout the ages. It denotes being fully prepared, organized, or available for a particular action, task, or situation. It often implies being prompt, quick, or willing to act.
When combined, "wast ready" can be understood as an ancient expression asserting that someone or something was previously prepared, available, or willing to fulfill a certain purpose or engage in a specific task. It suggests that the person or object had the required readiness, promptness, or willingness in the past.
However, it is important to note that the phrase "wast ready" is no longer commonly used in contemporary English language and is typically only encountered in texts or literature from older periods.
The phrase "wast ready" does not have a specific etymology on its own as it is a combination of two words. However, the etymology of each word within the phrase can be explored separately:
1. "Wast": This word is the second person singular past tense of the verb "to be" in Early Modern English. It comes from the Old English word "wǣre" and is related to the modern English word "were". The original meaning of "wast" was "were" or "was" depending on the subject.
2. "Ready": This word comes from the Old English word "rǣde", which means "prepared" or "prompt". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*garaidiz", meaning "prepared" or "arranged". The word "ready" has remained relatively unchanged in English throughout its history.