Pronunciation: [wˈɜːt plˈiːzd] (IPA) 
The spelling of "wert pleased" might seem a bit unusual, but it is actually a past tense form of the verb "to be" combined with the adjective "pleased." In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be pronounced as /wɜrt plizd/. The "w" sound in "wert" is like the "wh" sound in "why," and the "ɜ" sound is similar to the "ur" sound in "fur." "Pleased" is pronounced with a long "e" sound followed by a "z" sound.
The phrase "wert pleased" is an archaic form of the term "were pleased" which originated from Middle English. It is primarily used in older texts that adhere to Early Modern English or Shakespearean language. In this context, "wert" is the second person singular past tense form of the verb "to be", and "pleased" serves as the verb's complement.
"Wert pleased" can be understood as a state of satisfaction, contentment, or delight experienced by the subject of the verb. It implies that an individual, often the second person singular "you," experienced pleasure or happiness in a particular situation or as a result of a specific action.
The phrase "wert pleased" is typically employed in formal or poetic contexts to convey a sense of politeness or sophistication in speech. It contributes to the richness and ornamental style of the language used in older texts, highlighting the elegance and etiquette of the time.
It is important to note that "wert pleased" is now considered outdated and is rarely used in contemporary language. Its primary usage lies in the appreciation and analysis of historical literature or when recreating a specific linguistic style from the past.
The phrase "wert pleased" is a contraction of the Old English expression "thou wert pleased" which means "thou were pleased". Here is the etymology breakdown of the words:
- "Thou": It is the second person singular pronoun in Old English, a form of address used to refer to one person. It is derived from the Old English word "þū".
- "Wert": It is the second person singular past tense of the verb "to be" in Old English. It is derived from the Old English word "weorþan" meaning "to become" or "to be".
- "Pleased": It is the past participle of the verb "to please" in Old English, indicating satisfaction or contentment. It is derived from the Old English word "plēsan".
