Pronunciation: [wˈɜːt ʌnlˈa͡ɪk] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "wert unlike" may seem unusual at first, but it can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. "Wert" is actually an older form of the word "were," which is the past tense of "be." In this context, "wert" is pronounced as /wərt/. "Unlike" is spelled as it sounds, with each letter representing a distinct sound in IPA: /ʌnˈlaɪk/. So, when put together, "wert unlike" is pronounced as /wərt ʌnˈlaɪk/.
"Wert unlike" is a phrase that combines the archaic term "wert" and the word "unlike" to denote a state of being dissimilar or different from what is expected or usual.
"Wert," derived from Old English, is the second person singular past form of the verb "be," indicating the subjunctive mood. It is rarely used in contemporary English, except in specific contexts seeking to evoke a vintage or poetic style. In this phrase, "wert" implies a condition that did not exist in the past or one that is not certain or real.
"On the other hand, "unlike" is a preposition that illustrates a lack of resemblance or contrast between two or more things. It emphasizes the disparity, differentiation, or dissimilarity between objects, people, qualities, or characteristics. It highlights the distinctive qualities that differentiate one entity from another.
Putting them together, "wert unlike" indicates a condition of deviating or varying from what is conventional, anticipated, or typical. It suggests an absence of similarity, a remarkable contrast, or an unexpected difference. This expression might be used to describe a situation or a quality that deviates significantly from the norm, exceeding expectations or surprising others.
Overall, "wert unlike" represents an antiquated and poetic form of expressing a state of being dissimilar or different from what is expected or ordinary.
The phrase "wert unlike" does not have its own etymology, as it is a combination of three separate words: "wert" and "unlike".
1. "Wert" is the archaic second-person singular past tense of the verb "to be" in English. It is derived from the Old English word "wǣre", which means "were". Over time, "wǣre" evolved into "were", and in Middle English, it transformed into "wert" to align with the second-person singular subject pronoun "thou".
2. "Unlike" comes from the Middle English word "unlik", which means "different" or "distinct". It is derived from the Old English word "unlic", from "un" (meaning "not") + "lic" (meaning "like").
