Pronunciation: [wɜː wˈɛlkʌm] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "were welcome" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The "w" sound is represented by the symbol /w/, followed by the short "er" sound represented by /ɜː/. The second syllable contains the vowel sound /ɛ/ and then the consonant sound /l/. The final syllable is made up of the vowel sound /kəm/ and the consonant sound /əl/. So, the overall transcription of "were welcome" is /wɜːr ˈwɛlkəm/.
"Were welcome" is a verb phrase used to express appreciation or gratitude towards someone's arrival or an act of kindness. It is often used as a response to express a warm reception or acknowledgment of someone's presence, actions, or words.
The term "were" in this expression is the past tense of the verb "to be," referring to the state of being welcome. It indicates that the person or action being referenced was sincerely appreciated or well-received in the past.
The word "welcome" is an adjective that means the act of greeting or receiving someone with pleasure and hospitality. It displays a positive and cordial attitude towards an individual or their actions, suggesting that they are gladly received or accepted.
When combined, the phrase "were welcome" conveys that the person or action being mentioned was received with delight, satisfaction, or gratitude in the past. It can be used as a polite response to acknowledge someone's appreciation or thanks. It also implies that the person being addressed is glad to assist, host, or accommodate the other individual.
Overall, "were welcome" is an expression commonly used to express gratitude for someone's presence or assistance, indicating a positive and appreciative response to their actions or words.
The phrase "were welcome" is not a word in and of itself but rather a combination of two words.
The word "were" is the second-person plural past tense of the verb "to be" in the English language. It comes from the Old English word "wǣron", which means "they were". Over time, the spelling and pronunciation changed, ultimately giving us the word "were" as we know it today.
The word "welcome" comes from the Old English word "wilcuma" or "wilcume", combining "wil" meaning "pleasure" and "cuma" meaning "guest" or "comer". Originally, "welcome" was used as a noun to express the act of greeting or receiving someone with pleasure. However, over time, it evolved into an adjective describing something that is pleasing or gladly received.
