Pronunciation: [wɜːɹ ˈiːɡə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "were eager" can seem a bit confusing at first. The word "were" may be pronounced like "wur" with a schwa sound for the "e". Meanwhile, "eager" can be pronounced like "ee-gur" with a hard "g" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for "were eager" is /wɜr ˈiː.ɡər/. When reading this word out loud, it is important to emphasize the schwa sound in "were" and the hard "g" sound in "eager".
"Were eager" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a strong feeling or desire for something. The phrase is typically used to convey a sense of enthusiasm, anticipation, or readiness to engage in a particular activity or acquire something desirable. It is commonly used to describe a group of people or individuals who are eagerly looking forward to a specific event, possessing a strong willingness or excitement to participate in it.
The term "were eager" can also indicate the presence of a strong motivation or eagerness to achieve a desired outcome. It often implies a proactive and enthusiastic mindset, with individuals or groups displaying a keen interest and enthusiasm in pursuing a goal or task. This sentiment can be applied to various contexts, such as students being eager to learn new subjects or individuals being eager to start a new job or project.
Furthermore, "were eager" can imply a sense of anticipation or impatience, indicating that someone is eagerly awaiting the occurrence of something specific. This phrase suggests a high level of interest and enthusiasm, often accompanied by a sense of excitement or curiosity.
In summary, "were eager" refers to a state of strong enthusiasm, keen interest, or anticipation displayed by individuals or groups toward a particular activity, goal, or event. It is commonly used to convey an intense desire or motivation to engage, achieve, or experience something desirable.
The phrase "were eager" does not have a separate etymology as it is a combination of two words: "were" and "eager".
1. "Were" is the past tense form of the verb "be", which comes from Old English and can be traced back to Proto-Germanic. It has evolved over time through various changes in different languages.
2. "Eager" is an adjective that originated from Old French "egre", which meant "sharp" or "keen". It further derives from the Latin word "acer", which carries the same meaning. The term "eager" has retained its sense of enthusiasm and excitement in English.
