The phrase "were determined" is comprised of three syllables and uses the IPA phonetic transcription /wɜːr dɪˈtɜːmɪnd/. The 'w' sound represents the voiced labio-velar approximant, 'ɜːr' represents the vowel sound known as the 'nurse vowel', 'dɪ' represents the voiced dental plosive, 'ˈtɜː' represents the unstressed syllable containing the 'nurse vowel' again, and 'mɪnd' represents the voiced labiodental fricative followed by the dental plosive. The spelling of this phrase follows typical English spelling conventions.
"Were determined" is the past tense form of the verb phrase "to be determined." It consists of the auxiliary verb "were" (the past tense of "are") and the adjective "determined."
The term "determined" is commonly used to describe a strong and resolute mindset or an unwavering commitment to achieving a specific goal or outcome. It signifies an individual's firm resolve, tenacity, and perseverance in pursuing something they desire or believe in, despite obstacles, challenges, or setbacks they may encounter.
When someone is described as being "were determined," it means that they exhibited a resolute and unwavering attitude towards a particular objective or decision in the past. They were motivated, focused, and driven in their pursuit of a specific course of action or in achieving a desired result. This determination may have been based on personal ambition, a sense of duty or responsibility, or a strong conviction in the worthiness of their chosen path.
People who were determined often display characteristics such as strong willpower, a refusal to give up, and a readiness to make sacrifices to attain their goals. Their determination enables them to overcome obstacles, setbacks, or even failures, as they remain undeterred and continue striving until they achieve what they set out to do.
Overall, "were determined" reflects a past state of resolute, unwavering, and motivated mindset and actions demonstrated by an individual in the pursuit of their goals or objectives.
The etymology of the phrase "were determined" can be traced back to the Middle English period.
The word "were" is the past tense form of the verb "to be", which comes from the Old English word "wǣron". Old English "wǣron" evolved from the West Germanic word "wērun" and ultimately from the Proto-Germanic word "wēz(i)un".
The word "determined" originates from the Latin word "determinare", which means "to settle" or "to decide". This Latin word consists of the prefix "de", which means "down", and "terminare", which means "to set boundaries" or "to mark the limits".
Therefore, when we combine "were" and "determined", we get the phrase "were determined", which expresses that something was settled or decided in the past.