The spelling of the word "wast vexed" can be confusing for English learners, but with IPA phonetic transcription, it becomes clear. The word "wast" is pronounced /wɑst/ and is the past tense of the verb "be" in the second person singular. The word "vexed" is pronounced /vɛkst/ and means to irritate or annoy. Together, "wast vexed" means you were annoyed or irritated. While archaic, this phrase can still be encountered in classic literature, so it’s essential to know its proper pronunciation and spelling.
"Wast vexed" is a phrase that combines two words commonly found in archaic English language usage. Firstly, "wast" is the second person singular past tense of the verb "to be," which means "you were" or "you have been." This form of the verb is now mostly obsolete in modern English, but it would have been used frequently during the period of Early Modern English, which spanned from the late 15th century to the late 17th century.
Secondly, "vexed" is an adjective that describes an individual who is troubled, annoyed, or agitated. It conveyed a sense of deep distress, irritation or frustration. This word has been used in English since the 16th century and has persisted in modern usage.
When the phrase "wast vexed" is used, it suggests that the person referenced was both troubled and annoyed or agitated in the past. It implies that, at some point, the individual experienced significant distress or frustration. This phrase is most likely to be encountered in literary or historical texts written during the Early Modern English era or in contemporary works that seek to mimic that time period's language. It is essential to be aware of this archaic usage and context to fully understand the meaning conveyed by the phrase "wast vexed."
The phrase "wast vexed" is not a standalone word, but a combination of two separate words.
"Wast" is the archaic second-person singular form of the verb "be" in the past tense. It is derived from the Old English word "wæs" through Middle English "was" and finally evolved into the modern English "were". The term "wast" was used to refer to "you were" in the past.
"Vexed" is the past participle form of the verb "vex". It comes from the Old French word "vexer", which means "to annoy" or "to irritate". The Old French word itself has Latin roots, derived from "vexare", meaning "to shake" or "to agitate".
When combined, the phrase "wast vexed" indicates that "you were irritated" or "you were annoyed".