Pronunciation: [wˈɪst] (IPA) 
The word "wist" is an archaic form of "knew" or "wished". Its spelling can be confusing due to the absence of the "k" sound, which is typically present in modern-day "knew". The phonetic transcription of "wist" is /wɪst/, with the "w" sound followed by a short "i" and "s" at the end. This spelling may be unfamiliar to some due to the infrequency of its use, but it is an important part of English language history.
Wist is a verb that is used in the past tense and past participle form, derived from the Old English word "wiste." It typically means to know, to be aware, or to possess knowledge or understanding of something. However, the term "wist" is primarily archaic and no longer commonly used in contemporary language.
In its traditional usage, "wist" is often found in old literature or poetry, particularly from the Middle English period. It can be seen as a synonym for "knew" or "understood." For instance, in a sentence like "She wist not what lay beyond the mysterious door," it suggests that she did not have knowledge or an understanding of what was on the other side of the door.
The term "wist" bears similarity to the word "wisdom," which also refers to knowledge and understanding. However, "wist" conveys a sense of knowing or comprehending a specific fact or piece of information, rather than referring to a general state of wisdom.
In modern usage, the term has largely fallen out of favor, with the more common past tense forms of "know" or "understand" being preferred. Nonetheless, "wist" is still occasionally encountered in certain contexts such as historical texts or poetic language.
Of the obsolate verb wis, to know; knew; was conscious; imagined.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "wist" has its origins in Old English. It is derived from the Old English verb "witan", which meant "to know, understand, or be aware of". Over time, the past tense form of "witan" evolved and ultimately became "wiste" in Middle English. In modern English, "wist" is no longer commonly used as a verb, but its past tense form has persisted as an archaic, poetic, or literary word indicating knowledge or awareness.
