来自PIE*wes,居住，存在，词源同Vesta,古罗马家神或灶神，后用做be动词单数过去式。

1. He was well acquainted with the literature of France, Germany and Holland.

他对于法国、德国和荷兰的文学了如指掌。

2. It was just then that I chanced to look round.

就在那时，我恰好环顾了下四周。

3. The military regime in power was unpopular and repressive.

当权的军政府压制人民，不得人心。

4. He was hand-picked for this job by the Admiral.

他是由海军上将精心挑选出来担任这项工作的。

5. It was the uncommitted that Labour needed to reach.

工党需要拉拢的是未表态者。