The spelling of the word "were component" may seem straightforward, but it can be confusing because of its silent "e." In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is /wɜːr kəmˈpəʊnənt/. The first sound is an unstressed "er," followed by a stressed "kum" and a pronounced "oh" sound. The final syllable is unstressed with a short "ə" sound and a silent "e." Despite its confusing spelling, the word simply refers to a part or element of something that existed in the past.