WERE Meaning and
Definition
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Were is the past tense form of the verb "be" (in first and third person plural). It is used to indicate an action or a state of being that occurred in the past. Additionally, were is also used to show hypothetical situations in the present or future.
In the past tense, were is commonly used when referring to situations, events, or actions that happened before the present moment. For example, "They were laughing at the jokes last night," indicates that the laughter occurred in the past and is no longer happening currently.
When used in a hypothetical sense, were is employed to express an unreal or improbable condition or event in the present or future. For instance, "If I were rich, I would travel the world" implies that the author is not currently wealthy but is imagining what they would do if they were.
Furthermore, were is often utilized in certain phrases or idiomatic expressions. One common example is "if I were you," which suggests offering advice or making a suggestion from the speaker's perspective, even if they are not actually in the other person's position.
In summary, were is the past tense form of the verb "be" and is used to describe past actions or states of being. It is also employed to indicate hypothetical situations in the present or future, as well as appearing in various idiomatic expressions and phrases.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for WERE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for WERE
Etymology of WERE
The word "were" has its roots in Old English. It is derived from the Old English word "wǣre", which meant "man" or "human being". In Old English, this word also had the specific sense of "adult male", as opposed to "woman" or "child". Over time, the word evolved, and in Middle English, it took on the meaning of "a creature" or "a being" in general. Eventually, it became restricted to its current usage as the second person singular and plural past tense form of the verb "to be" (e.g., "you were" or "they were").
Idioms with the word WERE
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if I were in your shoes
The idiom "if I were in your shoes" means that if the speaker were in the same situation or facing the same circumstances as the person they are addressing, they would behave or react in a similar manner. It conveys empathy and understanding towards the other person's position and suggests that the speaker can imagine what it would be like to be in their position.
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if I were you
The idiom "if I were you" is used to express advice or suggestions to someone, indicating that if the speaker were in the same situation as the listener, he or she would act or make certain decisions in a particular way. It implies that the speaker believes his or her alternative suggestion would be a better choice or option.
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as it were
The idiom "as it were" is used to indicate that what is being said or described is not to be taken literally or precisely, but rather figuratively or in a somewhat indirect manner. It implies that the speaker is trying to emphasize or explain something using an analogy or a less exact wording.
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those were the days
The idiom "those were the days" refers to a feeling of nostalgia or longing for a past period that is perceived as being particularly enjoyable, carefree, or better than the present. It often conveys a sense of fondness and yearning for the memories and experiences of a bygone era.
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Were you born in a barn?
The idiom "Were you born in a barn?" is a rhetorical question used to express surprise or frustration at someone's lack of manners or awareness of their surroundings. It implies that the person being addressed has behaved or left a door open in a manner usually associated with someone who was raised in a barn, which is typically seen as a place devoid of proper etiquette or social graces.
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Fingers were made before forks
The idiom "Fingers were made before forks" means that the use of simple, primitive tools and methods predated the development of more sophisticated or technological ones. It suggests that human beings have relied on their own ingenuity and adaptability since ancient times. It can also imply a preference for simplicity or a belief in the value of traditional, straightforward approaches.
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We were just talking about you
The idiom "We were just talking about you" is often used humorously to imply that someone was being talked about in their absence, typically with a hint of intrigue or speculation. It can be used when someone unexpectedly enters a conversation or situation, creating a comic effect or a sense of anticipation for the person being addressed.
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If ifs and ands were pots and pans (there'd be no work for tinkers' hands).
The idiom "If ifs and ands were pots and pans (there'd be no work for tinkers' hands)" is a phrase used to dismiss hypothetical or unlikely scenarios. It means that if all the "ifs" and "ands" (indicating uncertainties or conditions) were transformed into actual objects (pots and pans), then there would be no need for tinkerers (metalworkers who repair pots and pans) because everything would already be perfect or settled. Essentially, it implies that speculating on unrealistic possibilities is pointless and unproductive.
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as if that were not enough
The idiom "as if that were not enough" is used to emphasize that something additional or surprising has happened or is about to be mentioned, despite there already being a considerable or overwhelming amount or situation. It indicates that the existing situation is already problematic, challenging, or abundant, and the new addition or event makes it even more so.
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If I knew you were coming, I'd have baked a cake
The idiom "If I knew you were coming, I'd have baked a cake" is used to express surprise or regret at not being adequately prepared or informed about an upcoming event or visit. It implies that if the person had known about the arrival of someone, they would have made appropriate arrangements or done something special to welcome them.
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Were you born in a tent?
The idiomatic expression "Were you born in a tent?" is a rhetorical question used to criticize someone for leaving a door open or failing to close it properly. It implies that the person's behavior lacks consideration or awareness of their surroundings, similar to growing up in a tent where doors are not typically present or easily closed.
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were your ears burning?
The idiom "were your ears burning?" is a rhetorical question asked when someone suspects that they were being talked about while they were not present. It implies that the person's ears would feel hot or tingle if they were being discussed.
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if I were in your place
The idiom "if I were in your place" means understanding or empathizing with someone's situation and expressing how one would behave or make decisions if they were in the same circumstances. It implies offering advice or sharing a perspective based on personal experience or hypothetical reasoning.
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If ifs and ands were pots and pans
The idiom "If ifs and ands were pots and pans" typically means that the speaker is dismissing or disregarding hypothetical or unrealistic situations. It implies that dwelling on or imagining different possibilities is pointless or not productive.
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like there were no tomorrow
The idiom "like there were no tomorrow" means doing something with great intensity, urgency, or enthusiasm, as if there were no time left. It implies living in the present moment without concern for the future consequences or constraints, often used to describe an extravagant or excessive behavior.
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(I'm) having a wonderful time wish you were here.
The idiom "(I'm) having a wonderful time wish you were here" is typically used sarcastically to express the opposite sentiment. Rather than genuinely expressing happiness and enjoyment, it implies that the person is not actually having a good time and the absence of the listener is contributing to their dissatisfaction or loneliness. It can be used humorously to highlight the speaker's wish for the listener's company in an ironic way.
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If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride
The idiom "If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride" is a proverbial expression implying that simply wishing for something does not make it a reality. It emphasizes that mere desires or dreams alone are not enough to achieve one's goals; tangible effort and action are required.
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wouldn't if I were you
The idiom "wouldn't if I were you" is a phrase used to give advice or offer a warning to someone, implying that the speaker believes it is unwise or risky to take a certain action or make a certain decision. It suggests that, if the speaker were in the listener's position, they would not choose to do the same thing.
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if wishes were horses, beggars would ride
The idiom "if wishes were horses, beggars would ride" means that if simply wishing for something could make it come true, even those in the most desperate circumstances would have everything they desired. In other words, mere desires or wishes without effort or action cannot change one's circumstances.
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if wishes were horses
The idiom "if wishes were horses" means that simply wishing for something does not make it come true. It implies that wishing alone is not enough to achieve one's goals or desires; action and effort are necessary to make things happen.
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if wishes were horses, beggars would/might ride
The idiom "if wishes were horses, beggars would/might ride" is used to express the idea that simply wishing for something does not make it possible or achievable. It signifies that mere desires or dreams are not enough to bring about real or substantial changes.
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if the truth were known
The idiom "if the truth were known" is used to express that the revelation of the actual truth or facts about a particular situation would likely change people's perceptions, opinions, or actions. It implies that the currently known information is incomplete or misleading and that revealing the truth would bring about a different understanding of the matter.
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if wishes were horses, (then) beggars might ride
The idiom "if wishes were horses, (then) beggars might ride" is a proverbial expression that suggests if wishes or desires alone had the power to bring about things, then even the poorest and most destitute individuals could attain their desires or dreams. It conveys the idea that simply wishing for something does not make it a reality; rather, taking action and working towards achieving one's goals is necessary.
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having a wonderful time wish you were here
The idiom "having a wonderful time, wish you were here" is a sarcastic phrase often used humorously to express the opposite feeling of enjoyment. It conveys a sense of irony and is typically used when someone is not actually having a good time or would prefer the company of the person they are addressing.
Similar spelling words for WERE
Conjugate verb Were
CONDITIONAL
I
would were
you
would were
he/she/it
would were
we
would were
they
would were
I
would be
we
would be
you
would be
he/she/it
would be
they
would be
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be wering
you
would be wering
he/she/it
would be wering
we
would be wering
they
would be wering
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have were
you
would have were
he/she/it
would have were
we
would have were
they
would have were
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been wering
you
would have been wering
he/she/it
would have been wering
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would have been wering
they
would have been wering
FUTURE
I
will were
you
will were
he/she/it
will were
we
will were
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will were
I
will be
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will be
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FUTURE CONTINUOUS
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will be wering
you
will be wering
he/she/it
will be wering
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will be wering
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will be wering
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have wered
you
will have wered
he/she/it
will have wered
we
will have wered
they
will have wered
I
will have been
we
will have been
you
will have been
he/she/it
will have been
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will have been
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been wering
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will have been wering
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will have been wering
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will have been wering
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will have been wering
IMPERATIVE
you
were
we
let´s were
to were
PAST
I
wered
you
wered
he/she/it
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we
wered
they
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I
was
he/she/it
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PAST CONTINUOUS
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was wering
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PAST PARTICIPLE
wered
PAST PERFECT
I
had wered
you
had wered
he/she/it
had wered
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had wered
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had been
we
had been
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had been
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
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had been wering
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had been wering
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had been wering
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had been wering
PRESENT
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were
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were
he/she/it
weres
we
were
they
were
I
am
we
are
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PRESENT CONTINUOUS
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am wering
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are wering
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are wering
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are wering
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
wering
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have wered
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have wered
he/she/it
has wered
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have wered
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have wered
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have been
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have been
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have been
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PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
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have been wering
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have been wering
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has been wering
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have been wering
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have been wering
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am being
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are being
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are being
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was being
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were being
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was being
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were being
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will be being
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have been being
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had been being
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