Definition of 'were'
English Easy Learning GrammarHow do you use the verb 'be' in English?The verb be is used as an auxiliary verb and it can also be used as a main verb. The
verb be is irregular. It has eight different forms: be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been.
... Read more
English Easy Learning GrammarThe subjunctiveWhat is the subjunctive in English?
How do you use the present subjunctive in English?
How do you use the past subjunctive in English?
... Read more
How do you use the present subjunctive in English?
How do you use the past subjunctive in English?
... Read more
Video: pronunciation of
were
Word Frequency
were in American English
verb intransitive
pl. & 2d pers. sing., past indic., and the past subjunc., of
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Word origin
ME weren < OE wæron, akin to Ger waren < Gmc base *wæz- < IE base *wes-: see be verb intransitiveWord Frequency
were in American English
(wɜːr, unstressed wər, Brit wɛər)
verb
a 2nd pers. sing. pt. indic., pl. pt. indic., and pt. subj. of be
Most material © 2005, 1997, 1991 by Penguin Random House LLC. Modified entries © 2019
by Penguin Random House LLC and HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Word origin
[bef. 1000; ME; OE wǣre past subj., wǣre past ind. 2nd pers. sing. and wǣron past ind. pl. of wesan to be; c. D, G waren, Dan var; see was]Word Frequency
we're in American English
(wɪər)
contraction of
we are
We're happy to see you
Most material © 2005, 1997, 1991 by Penguin Random House LLC. Modified entries © 2019
by Penguin Random House LLC and HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Word Frequency
were in British English
verb
▶ USAGE Were, as a remnant of the past subjunctive in English, is used in formal contexts in clauses
expressing hypotheses (if he were to die, she would inherit everything), suppositions contrary to fact (if I were you, I would be careful), and desire (I wish he were there now). In informal speech, however, was is often used insteadthe plural form of the past tense ( indicative mood) of be and the singular form used with you. It is also used as a subjunctive, esp in conditional sentences
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Word origin
Old English wērun, wæron past tense plural of wesan to be; related to Old Norse vera, Old Frisian weria, Old High German werōn to last
Examples of 'were' in a sentence
were
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…
Trends of
were
View usage over:
Browse alphabetically
were
Related terms of
were
Source
Definition of were from the Collins English Dictionary
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
groan or grown?
Which version is correct?
bloc or block?
Which version is correct?
cornflour or cornflower?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
cornflour
cornflower
Blend the with a little milk.
paw or pour?
Which version is correct?
broke or broken?
Which version is correct?
Your score:
Word of the day
aubade
a song or poem appropriate to or greeting the dawn
Latest Word Submissions
bug-out bag
Nov 14, 2021
Keeling Curve
Nov 14, 2021
flip phone
Nov 13, 2021
noncomprehensive
Nov 13, 2021
Bonfire or Guy Fawkes Night
On the night of 4 November 1605 Guy Fawkes, a Catholic, was discovered in an undercroft of the House of Lords guarding a hoard of gunpowder intended to explode the following day at the state opening of Parliament and thereby assassinate the Protestant King James I and annihilate the government.
Read more
Study guides for every stage of your learning journey
Whether you're in search of a crossword puzzle, a detailed guide to tying knots, or tips on writing the perfect college essay, Harper Reference has you covered for all your study needs.
Read more
Trick or treat? The eerie etymology behind popular Halloween words
Spooky season has arrived once more! Pumpkins are out in full force and this year, we decided to revisit some of our gruesome lexical offerings with a brand-new look into some of the most popular words and phrases associated with the scariest time of year.
Read more
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more
Join the Collins community
All the latest wordy news, linguistic insights, offers and competitions every month.
Read more
Updating our Usage
There are many diverse influences on the way that English is used across the world today. We look at some of the ways in which the language is changing. Read our series of blogs to find out more.
Read more
Area 51, Starship, and Harvest Moon: September’s Words in the News
I’m sure a lot of people would agree that we live in strange times. But do they have to be so strange that Area 51 is making headlines? And what’s this about fish the look like aliens. September’s Words in the News explain all.
Read more
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
knew or new?
Which version is correct?
coarse or course?
Which version is correct?
sang or sung?
Which version is correct?
rap or wrap?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
wrap
rap
Donna decided to the presents before she left.
sew or sow?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
Sow
Sew
the seeds in early March.
Your score: