Pronunciation: [wˈɜːt at] (IPA) 
The spelling of "wert at" might look strange, but it is actually a phonetic representation of the phrase "where at." The "w" sound is represented by the letter "w," while the "er" sound is spelled with the letters "e-r." The "t" at the end of "wert" represents the "t" sound in "at," as well as a syllable break. The final "at" is spelled conventionally. To sum up, "wert at" is a phonetic spelling of "where at."
"Wert at" is an archaic and poetic construction derived from Middle English and primarily associated with Early Modern English literature and poetry. It is believed to be an abbreviation of "wert thou at" or "were it at," where "wert" is the past tense form of "be" used in the second-person singular.
"Wert at" can be interpreted as a condensed form of "if you were present" or "if you were in a specific place." It implies a hypothetical scenario or a condition, often used to express regret, longing, or speculation. The word "at" functions as a preposition, indicating a location or position.
The phrase is most commonly encountered in classic works of literature, particularly those written by William Shakespeare, where it exemplifies the poetic elocution of that time. Its inclusion in such works adds a sense of antiquity and poetic flair to the language, contributing to the overall cadence and rhythm of the verse.
Although "wert at" is no longer widely used in modern English, its significance lies in its historical and literary context. Understanding this phrase allows readers to appreciate and analyze works from a specific time period while also demonstrating the evolution of the English language.
The phrase "wert at" does not have its own etymology since it is not a standalone word or a phrase with a distinct meaning in English. It seems to be a combination of archaic or poetic language constructs. "Wert" is the archaic second person singular past tense of the verb "be", while "at" is a preposition indicating location or the state of being present in a particular place. When combined, "wert at" could be interpreted as an old-fashioned way of expressing "were (you) at" or "were (you) present" in a poetic or literary context.
