The phrase "were gainfully employed" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription of /wər ˈɡeɪn.fəli ɪmˈplɔɪd/. The first word "were" is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by an r sound, while "gainfully" is pronounced with a stressed "ay" diphthong and a syllabic "l" at the end. "Employed" is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by a "p" sound and a stressed "oy" diphthong, and ends with a "d" sound. This spelling accurately reflects the pronunciation of the phrase.
"Were gainfully employed" refers to a situation in which individuals were actively and legally employed, earning a regular income through productive labor or work. This phrase implies that the individuals were engaged in lawful employment and were able to support themselves financially through their work efforts. It suggests that they were not only employed but were also earning an income that was sufficient to meet their basic needs and potentially enjoy a reasonable standard of living.
The term "gainfully" signifies that the employment was productive and yielded economic benefits, indicating that the individuals were not simply occupied in meaningless or low-paying jobs but were doing work that was financially rewarding. This could include various types of jobs, such as those in the public or private sector, part-time or full-time employment, or self-employment. By using the term "were gainfully employed," it emphasizes that the individuals were actively participating in the labor market and contributing to the economy.
The phrase "were gainfully employed" conveys the sense of individuals being productive members of society by engaging in lawful work that earned them a steady income. It implies stability, financial independence, and the ability to sustain oneself economically through earned wages or salaries.