well1
adv.
(better, best)
- in a good or satisfactory way.
▸in a condition of prosperity or comfort.
▸
archaic luckily; opportunely:
hail fellow, well met.
- in a thorough manner.
▸to a great extent or degree; very much.
▸
Brit. informal very; extremely:
he was well out of order.
- very probably; in all likelihood.
▸without difficulty.
▸with good reason.
adj.
(better, best)
- in good health; free or recovered from illness.
▸in a satisfactory state or position.
- sensible; advisable.
exclam.
used to express surprise, anger, resignation, etc., or when pausing in speech.
Phrase
- as well
- in addition; too.
-
(as well or just as well)
with equal reason or an equally good result.
▸sensible, appropriate, or desirable.
- be well out of
Brit. informal be fortunate to be no longer involved in. - be well up on
(or in)
know a great deal about. - leave
(or let)
well
(N. Amer. enough)
alone
refrain from interfering with or trying to improve something. - very well
used to express agreement or understanding. - well and truly
completely.
Derivative
Usage
The adverb well is often used in combination with past participles to form adjectival compounds. The general stylistic principle for hyphenation is that if the adjectival compound is placed attributively (i.e. before the noun), it should be hyphenated (a well-intentioned remark) but that if it is placed predicatively (i.e. standing alone after the verb), it should not be hyphenated (her remarks were well intentioned). In this dictionary, the unhyphenated form is generally the only one given.
Etymology
OE wel(l), of Gmc origin; prob. rel. to the verb will1.
well2
n.
- a shaft sunk into the ground to obtain water, oil, or gas.
▸a depression made to hold liquid.
- a plentiful source or supply:
a deep well of sympathy.
- an enclosed space in the middle of a building, giving room for stairs or a lift or allowing light or ventilation.
- Brit. the place in a law court where the clerks and ushers sit.
- Physics a region of minimum potential.
- archaic a water spring or fountain.
v.
(
often well up)
(of a liquid) rise up to the surface and spill or be about to spill.
▸(of an emotion) develop and become more intense.
Etymology
OE wella, of Gmc origin.