The spelling of the word "went mat" can be explained through the use of IPA phonetic transcription. When pronounced, the word can be broken down into two syllables: "went" and "mat." The first syllable is represented by the phonetic transcription /wɛnt/, which is created by combining the sounds of the consonant "w" and the short vowel sound "ɛ." The second syllable is represented by the phonetic transcription /mæt/, which is created by combining the sounds of the consonant "m" and the short vowel sound "æ." Together, these two syllables form the word "went mat."