was

[wuhz, woz, wuhz]

verb

1. first and third person singular past indicative of be.

was

/ wɒz, wəz /

verb

1. the past tense (indicative mood) of be 1

2. not_standard,  a form of the subjunctive mood used in place of were, esp in conditional sentences

   if the film was to be with you, would you be able to process it?

Word History and Origins

Origin of was¹

First recorded before 950; Middle English; Old English wæs, past tense singular of wesan “to be”; cognate with Old Frisian, Old High German, Gothic was, Old Norse var; wassail

Word History and Origins

Origin of was¹

Old English wæs, from wesan to be; related to Old Frisian, Old High German was, Old Norse var

Example Sentences

There was no indication she was on site.

From Los Angeles Times

“Walking in the day after the announcement was heartbreaking. Despite being left completely in the dark, the staff still showed up with grace and professionalism.”

From Los Angeles Times

"People on short-term or recreational visas are not authorized to work in the US," ICE said, adding that the raid was necessary to protect American jobs.

From BBC

The victim's identity was yet to be confirmed.

From BBC

An Orange County woman faces five felony charges after she was accused of paw-litical fraud by registering her dog to vote and illegally casting ballots for the pooch in two elections, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times