The phrase "wert ill with" means "were ill with" and is spelled with the Old English verb form "wert" which is pronounced /wɛrt/. The spelling can be confusing because it is an archaic form that is no longer commonly used. The word "ill" is pronounced /ɪl/ and is spelled phonetically. The entire phrase is pronounced /wɛrt ɪl wɪð/ . Despite the non-standard spelling, the phrase remains an important part of the English language, reminding us of the history and evolution of the language.
"Wert ill with" is an archaic phrase that combines the verb "wert" (shortened form of "wert thou") with the adjective "ill," and is typically used to describe someone who was or became sick or unwell in the past. This phrase is commonly found in older literary works, particularly in plays and poetry, as it reflects the language style used in Middle English and Shakespearean English.
The term "wert" is the second-person singular form of the verb "to be" in the past tense. In this context, it refers to "you were." The word "ill" indicates a negative physical or mental state, suggesting a person's poor health, suffering, or ailment.
Thus, "wert ill with" implies that an individual was afflicted by sickness or illness in the past. It emphasizes that the person's illness occurred during a previous time and may not necessarily reflect their current state of health. This phrase is sometimes employed to describe historical characters or events, portraying a person's journey through illness, the impact it had on their life, or the consequences it had for the individual's actions or circumstances.
Overall, "wert ill with" is an outdated, poetic expression that denotes being unwell or sick in the past, and is typically seen in older literature rather than modern everyday language.