The phrase "were in brown study" uses the spelling "were" which is pronounced as /wɜːr/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This spelling refers to the past tense of the verb "to be", indicating that the person or people in question were in a state of deep thought or contemplation. The term "brown study" is an idiomatic expression that refers to a state of melancholy or deep thought. The spelling and pronunciation of "were" is consistent with other past tense forms of the verb "to be" in English, such as "was" and "been".
The phrase "were in brown study" refers to a state of deep contemplation or absorption in one's thoughts, often accompanied by a somber or pensive mood. When someone is described as "in brown study," it suggests that they are lost in their own world, detached from their surroundings, and engrossed in introspection or reflection.
The origin of the term can be traced back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when "study" was often used to describe intense mental concentration or reflection. The addition of "brown" to the phrase is believed to have derived from the color's association with earthiness, melancholy, or seriousness. This could suggest that individuals in a "brown study" are in a thoughtful state reminiscent of the earthy, muted tones of brown.
When someone is in a brown study, their outward demeanor may appear distant or absent, as their mind is preoccupied with deep thoughts or daydreams. They may seem lost in their own world, as if transported to another mental space. This state of introspection is usually accompanied by a serious or somber mood, as individuals in a brown study are often contemplating weighty or profound matters.
Overall, "were in brown study" captures the essence of being fully absorbed and introspective, often with a sense of seriousness or melancholy.