The spelling of the phrase "were durable" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word "were" is pronounced as /wɜːr/, with the symbol "ɜː" representing the vowel sound in words like "her" and "fur". The word "durable" is pronounced as /ˈdjuːrəbl/, with the "dju" sound represented by the symbol /dʒuː/, similar to the "j" sound in "jewel". Together, "were durable" is pronounced as /wɜːr ˈdjuːrəbl/.
"Were durable" is a phrase that refers to the past tense of the verb "to be" and the adjective "durable." The verb "to be" is used here to indicate an attribute or quality possessed by the subject in the past. The term "durable" is an adjective that describes an object, substance, or material that is able to withstand wear, decay, or damage and has the ability to last for a long time.
In this context, the phrase "were durable" indicates that the subject or subjects being referred to possessed durability as an inherent characteristic in the past. It suggests that the entities being described had the ability to withstand and endure various external factors, making them long-lasting or capable of extended use or existence.
The term "durable" can apply to a wide range of items, such as buildings, furniture, appliances, clothing, or even abstract concepts like relationships or ideas. It implies that the object or concept was able to withstand the test of time, remaining intact, functional, or relevant over an extended period. The phrase "were durable" affirms that the subjects being discussed possessed this quality of durability in the past, suggesting that they were able to fulfill their intended purpose or maintain their effectiveness for a significant period.
The phrase "were durable" consists of two separate words: "were" and "durable". Each has its own etymology:
1. "Were":
- Etymology: The word "were" is the second-person singular and plural past tense of the verb "to be" in the subjunctive mood (as well as for some dialects).
- Origin: "Were" can be traced back to Old English, where it was derived from the Old English verb "wesan", meaning "to be".
- Development: Over time, "were" has remained relatively unchanged in terms of form and meaning.
2. "Durable":
- Etymology: The word "durable" is an adjective used to describe something that is capable of lasting a long time or withstanding wear and tear.