Pronunciation: [wɛnt kˈɔːt] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of "went court" is "went to court". In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be /wɛnt tu kɔrt/. The word "to" is important because it shows that the person is going to court, rather than just the past tense of the verb "go". "Went court" may be a common mistake for non-native speakers, but it is not grammatically correct in English. It is important to use the correct spelling to ensure clear communication.
"Going to court" is an idiom that refers to the act of attending a legal proceeding within a judicial or legal system. It generally involves appearing before a judge or magistrate to resolve a legal matter, such as a civil lawsuit, criminal case, or even certain administrative hearings.
The term "went court" implies the physical act of entering a courtroom and participating in legal proceedings. When someone says they "went court," it suggests that they attended a court hearing or trial as a participant – either as a plaintiff, defendant, witness, or perhaps even a member of the legal profession.
The phrase "went court" may also be used more loosely to describe the entire process of engaging with the legal system. It encompasses activities such as filing a lawsuit, answering a summons, gathering evidence, and presenting arguments before a judge or jury.
The purpose of going to court can vary depending on the context. Some common reasons include seeking compensation for damages, proving innocence or guilt in a criminal case, resolving a family dispute, or resolving a contractual disagreement. Individuals may go to court to protect their rights, resolve legal conflicts, or enforce the law.
Overall, "went court" denotes the action of physically attending a legal proceeding or the broader process of engaging with the legal system to address a legal matter.
The phrase "went court" is not a set phrase or idiom in English. "Went" is the past tense of the verb "to go", and "court" refers to a legal institution where legal proceedings occur. If you are referring to the phrase "went to court", it has a straightforward etymology:
"Went" originated from the Old English word "wendan", which means "to proceed on a course, to travel". It evolved into "went" as the past tense form.
"Court" originated from the Latin word "cohors", which means "an enclosed space, courtyard". "Cohors" was later adopted into Old French as "court", referring to the residences of the monarch or nobility. Over time, "court" came to be associated with the legal institution where cases are tried.
