Pronunciation: [wɛnt hˈʌŋɡɹi] (IPA) 
The phrase "went hungry" is spelled as /wɛnt ˈhʌŋɡri/. The "w" sound is pronounced followed by the short "e" sound, which is then followed by the "n" sound. The "t" is silent, and the stress is on the second syllable, which is pronounced as "hun". The "g" is pronounced as a hard sound, and the "r" is a slight flick of the tongue. This phrase means that someone did not have enough food to eat and went without food.
"Went hungry" is an idiomatic expression that means to experience a period of time during which an individual did not have enough food to eat, leading to a state of hunger or starvation. This phrase is often used to describe a situation in which someone lacks access to sufficient nourishment or has not consumed enough calories to sustain their bodily needs.
The verb "went" in this context indicates the action of "experiencing" or "undergoing" hunger in the past. It signifies the duration or period that an individual endured without adequate sustenance, resulting in a sense of deprivation and physical discomfort caused by the absence of nourishing food.
The term "hungry" referred to in this phrase indicates a powerful feeling or state of appetite caused by the absence of food. It implies the sensation or condition of extreme hunger, characterized by gnawing or rumbling sensations in the stomach, weakness, and a focus on finding sustenance.
The phrase "went hungry" can be used to describe a variety of circumstances, such as a person lacking access to food due to poverty, a shortage of resources during a crisis or disaster, or willingly abstaining from eating for various reasons. It emphasizes the deprivation and discomfort experienced by individuals who have not had sufficient nutrition, highlighting the crucial importance of access to food for survival and well-being.
The phrase "went hungry" consists of two component words: "went" and "hungry".
1. The verb "went" comes from the Old English word "wendan", which means "to proceed, to go, to travel". Over time, "wendan" evolved into Middle English "wenten", and then into the modern English "went". So, "went" simply means to move or travel.
2. The adjective "hungry" traces its origin back to the Old English word "hungor", which means "hunger". It comes from the Proto-Germanic word "hungruz", which is related to the Old High German word "hungrig" and the Old Norse word "hungr". Eventually, "hungor" transformed into "hungri" in Middle English and then became "hungry" as we know it today.
