The spelling of the word "were based" is interesting as it combines two different past tense verb forms. "Were" is the past tense of the verb "to be" and "based" is the past tense of "to base". In IPA phonetic transcription, "were" is pronounced /wər/ and "based" is pronounced /beɪst/. When combined, the word is pronounced as /wər beɪst/. It's important to master the spelling and pronunciation of words like "were based" to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings in written or spoken communication.
"Were based" is a past tense construction of the verb phrase "to be based." The phrase refers to the act of establishing, locating or concentrating something in a particular place or situation. It typically suggests a strong connection or dependency of something on a specific location or circumstance.
When an organization, business, or institution is described as "were based," it signifies that its operations, headquarters, or primary activities were situated or carried out in a particular location. This location is often regarded as the central or fundamental base for the entity's activities or operations.
Similarly, when referring to a decision, action, or conclusion as "were based," it implies that the outcome was derived or founded upon specific factors, evidence, reasoning, or principles. The phrase suggests that the decision or action was made after careful consideration or analysis of the given information or circumstances.
Overall, "were based" conveys the idea of dependence, reliance, or establishment on a specific place, situation, or set of factors. It emphasizes that the subject, whether an organization, decision, or action, had a strong connection to or was influenced by certain conditions or considerations that were fundamental to its existence, operations, or justification.
The phrase "were based" is not a standalone word with a distinct etymology. Instead, it is a combination of the verb "were" in the past tense of the subjunctive mood and the adjective/adverb "based".
The verb "were" has its origin in Old English, derived from the Proto-Germanic language. It can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*esmi", meaning "to be".
On the other hand, "based" comes from the verb "base" which originally meant "to establish upon or set upon a foundation". It entered English in the late 16th century through Old French, which derived it from the Latin word "basis", meaning "foundation" or "base".
The phrase "were based" is typically used to indicate something that was established or situated on a particular foundation or set of principles.