The spelling of the word "wert tantamount" can be confusing because it contains a silent "w". In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be pronounced /wərt ˈtæn.tə.maʊnt/. The "w" is silent, and the first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, represented by the upside-down "e" symbol. The word "tantamount" means equivalent or equal in value, importance, or meaning. Despite the tricky spelling, it is a useful word to have in one's vocabulary to express the concept of something being on par with another thing.
The phrase "wert tantamount" is an archaic construction derived from Middle English and has two components: "wert" and "tantamount." "Wert" is the second-person singular past tense of the verb "to be" in the subjunctive mood, typically used to indicate a hypothetical or unreal condition. "Tantamount" is an adjective that conveys the meaning of being equivalent or virtually equal in effect, meaning, or value. The combined phrase "wert tantamount" emphasizes the hypothetical or imagined nature of this equivalence or equality.
Generally, it implies a hypothetical scenario where something is deemed to be effectively or closely equal to something else. It suggests a conceptual comparison rather than a physical or literal measurement. The usage of "wert tantamount" allows the speaker or writer to express a figurative or metaphorical equivalence, often conveying an abstract quality or emotional significance. This phrase may be employed to denote a hypothetical state, emphasizing the principle of presumed equality or a close approximation to a situation or condition.
In contemporary language, the phrase "wert tantamount" is rather outdated, but it can still be encountered in literary works, particularly those portraying older forms of English.