Pronunciation: [wˈɜːt wˈe͡əɹi] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the phrase "wert wary" is actually "were wary". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /wɜːr ˈwɛəri/. The word "were" is the past tense of "to be" and is often used in conjunction with other verbs to describe actions in the past. "Wary" means to be cautious or careful, indicating that someone was cautious in the past. So, "were wary" means that someone was cautious in the past.
"Wert wary" is an archaic phrase that combines the past tense of the verb "to be" (wert) and the adjective "wary." The term in its entirety suggests a state of being cautious, vigilant, or on one's guard in the past tense.
To better understand this expression, it is essential to break it down into its components. "Wert" is the contraction of "were" used in the second person singular or plural form in old English, indicating that the subject being referred to is either "you" or "you all." On the other hand, "wary" is an adjective that describes a person's disposition when they are watchful, alert, or showing caution about potential risks or dangers. The word "wary" historically derived from the Old English verb "warian," meaning "to watch or guard against."
When combined, "wert wary" can be interpreted as a notification or reminder for someone to be cautious or vigilant based on a situation that occurred in the past or that has already been completed. It implies that the individual addressed had been wary or cautious at that specific time. Although this phrase is seldom used in contemporary English, its meaning remains the same, highlighting an individual's previous state of vigilance or wariness.
In conclusion, "wert wary" denotes a past sense of alertness or caution, combining the archaic past tense form of "to be" with the adjective "wary" to convey a state wherein an individual had been vigilant, watchful, or guarded in a previous situation.
The phrase "wert wary" consists of two words: "wert" and "wary".
1. "Wert" is a contraction of the archaic second-person singular form of "to be" in the past tense. It is derived from Middle English and Old English, where "wert" meant "was" or "were". The "w" in "wert" represents the dual inflection, and the "ert" is derived from the Old English verb "earm", meaning "to be".
2. "Wary" comes from the Middle English word "ware", which means cautious or diligent. It has Old English roots and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "warōną", meaning "to guard" or "to defend".
The phrase "wert wary" essentially means "you were cautious" or "you were guarded".
