Went: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ถ
went
[ wษnt ]
past tense
The word 'went' is the simple past tense of the verb 'go'. It indicates that an action, specifically movement from one place to another, has already taken place. 'Went' can refer to physical movement, but also to more abstract journeys or changes in state. This term is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe something that has occurred in the past.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He went to the store yesterday.
- They went on vacation last month.
- She went to bed early.
Word origin
The word 'went' originates from the Old English 'wendan,' meaning to turn or to change. Over time, this evolved in Middle English to 'wenten' or 'went.' The evolution reflects a broader linguistic shift as the verb 'go' underwent changes in its irregular forms. The irregular past tense form we use today, 'went,' diverges from the typical pattern of simply adding '-ed' to the base verb. This anomaly shows the complexity of English verb conjugations influenced by historical usage and variations across dialects. The use of 'went' to signify past movement has been a consistent feature in the English language, solidifying its status as a fundamental component of English grammar.