The spelling of the phrase "were livid" is straightforward when using IPA phonetics. "Were" is pronounced as /wɜːr/, with the "e" being pronounced as "uh." Meanwhile, "livid" is pronounced as /ˈlɪvɪd/, the "i" being pronounced as "ih." Together, the phrase is pronounced as /wɜːr ˈlɪvɪd/. It means there were people who were extremely angry or furious about a situation. This phrase comes in handy in expressing intense emotions in various circumstances.
"Were livid" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a state of extreme anger or fury towards a particular situation or individual. The term "were" implies that the anger is being experienced by multiple individuals simultaneously.
The word "livid" itself has its origins in the Latin word "lividus," meaning black and blue or bruised. In this context, "livid" refers to a range of emotions that intensify to the point of causing physical signs of discoloration on the skin. While this discoloration is not literal when used figuratively, it serves to convey the intensity of the anger being experienced.
When someone says they or others "were livid," it denotes a level of anger or fury that is typically beyond the normal range of emotions. It signifies a state of being highly upset, possibly to the point of uncontrollable rage or indignation. This level of intensity suggests that the person or group affected by the situation feels deeply wronged, betrayed, or outraged.
The usage of "were livid" can be found in various contexts, including personal relationships, workplace scenarios, social or political events, and even fictional narratives. It indicates a profoundly emotional response, highlighting the gravity of the situation or offense that caused the anger. Such a phrase conveys the powerful impact of the individual or group's feelings and emphasizes the seriousness of their emotional state.
The phrase "were livid" is not a word itself, but a combination of two words: "were" and "livid".
1. "Were": It is the second person singular or plural and first and third person plural past tense of the verb "be". This verb indicates a state of existence or a condition at a specific time.
2. "Livid": It comes from the Latin word "lividus", meaning "bluish" or "black and blue". In its original sense, "livid" referred to the discoloration of bruised flesh. However, over time, it evolved to describe a state of extreme anger or rage, likely due to the association of a bruised appearance with anger turning one's face red or pale.
So, when someone says "were livid", they are expressing that they (or others) were extremely angry or furious about something.