Definition Synonyms
Definition of was - Reverso English Dictionary
Auxiliary verb
1.
linguisticsforming past continuous tense
- She was reading a book when I called.
2.
receiver patternforming passive voice in past tense
- The cake was eaten by the children.
3.
if clauseRare UK used in subjunctive mood for conditional sentencesRare UK
- If I was taller, I would play basketball.
Expressions with was
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it was extremely painful, hard, or unpleasant
The recovery after surgery was hell.
expresses enjoyment of something that has ended
The concert was amazing, it was nice while it lasted.
unable to think or remember anything
During the exam, my mind was a blank.
thinking about something else, not focused
During the meeting, her mind was elsewhere.
having many thoughts rapidly due to anxiety
His mind was racing after hearing the news.
feel heat or warmth on the face from emotions or illness
Her face was burning after the embarrassing mistake.
to have thoughts drift away from the current task or situation
Her mind was wandering during the long meeting.
expresses relief after narrowly avoiding danger or trouble
The car almost hit us, that was close!
that experience was extremely painful, hard, or awful
After the stormy flight, that was hell.
the problem or issue was resolved successfully
After the repair, the whole thing was fixed.
extremely good or innovative thing or idea
This new phone is the best thing since bread was sliced.
business has declined compared to the past
Business isn't what it was since the new mall opened.
overwhelmed, unable to manage feelings, with inner turmoil and confusion
After the funeral, emotionally I was a wreck for weeks.
receive punishment or trouble that is viewed as deserved
After years of bullying classmates, he finally get what was coming.
receive deserved punishment for bad actions
He got what was coming to him after cheating.
received deserved punishment for bad actions
He finally gotten what was coming to him after cheating.
feel deep sadness or emotional pain inside
Her heart was aching after hearing the bad news.
express natural talent or passion inherited from family
He plays the piano well; it was in his blood.
used to start a fairy tale or story
Once upon a time there was a brave knight.
feel dizzy or lightheaded from spinning or confusion
After the ride, her head was swimming and she felt faint.
accept given conditions and act as well as possible within them
Despite the setbacks, Mark chose to play the hand he was dealt.
recall an event extremely clearly as if it just happened
I remember like it was yesterday the day we first met.
muscles in the lower face tightened to show tension or readiness
His jaw was set as he prepared for the fight.
think very quickly because of excitement or new ideas
Her mind was racing with new ideas for the project!
Origin of was
Old English, wesan (to be)
Terms with was included in their meaning
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annual celebration
anniversary of the day someone was born
hearing repair
asks someone to repeat what was not heard or understood
entertainment
game that was enjoyable or well-played
finding
something found that was previously unknown
difference
different from what was mentioned
additional
in addition to what was mentioned
additional
in addition to what was mentioned
communication
indicates not hearing what was said
extra
additional to what was considered
alternative
different from what was mentioned
personal information
day, month, and year when someone was born
checking meaning
used to ask if someone has understood what was said
birthplace
country where a person was born and raised
cause and result
used to introduce the result or explanation of what was said
contrast
contrary to what was expected
item condition
in perfect condition, almost like it was never used
acr: Before Christ
years before Jesus was born
time
earlier than someone was born or could remember
conversation
shows doubt or reconsideration about what was just said
story
introduces a past moment when something was already true or completed
returning origin
transport something to where it was originally
understanding
not understand what was said and seek explanation
former winner
person who was a champion before but is not now
former colleague
person who was a colleague before
Examples of was in a sentence
They were playing soccer when it started to rain. The book was read by the entire class. The house was built in 1920. If she was here, she'd know what to do. If it was sunny, we could go hiking.
View all translations of was
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:était, a été, ...
- German:war, wurde, ...
- Italian:stava, essere, ...
- Spanish:estaba, fue, ...
- Portuguese:estava, foi, ...
- Chinese:当时正在, 被, ...
- Japanese:読んでいました, 食べられました, ...
- Arabic:كَان, تم, ...
- Hebrew:הָיָה, ...
- Russian:был, ...
- Ukrainian:була, було, ...
- Hindi:रहा था से बनने वाला अपूर्ण भूतकाल सहायक रूप, था, ...
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