well
well Lexical Profile
well Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
In good health; free from disease or illness.
"After a few days of rest and medication, she was finally feeling well again."
In a satisfactory state or position.
"All is well with the project, and we expect to finish ahead of schedule."
• adverb
In a good, proper, or satisfactory manner.
"The orchestra played exceptionally well during the final movement of the symphony."
Thoroughly, carefully, or completely.
"Mix the dry ingredients well before adding the wet components to the bowl."
To a great extent or degree; considerably.
"The cost of the renovations was well over the initial budget."
• interjection
Used to express surprise, resignation, acceptance, or to introduce a remark or pause in conversation.
"Well, I suppose it's time we start heading home before it gets dark."
• noun
A deep hole or shaft sunk into the earth to obtain water, oil, gas, or brine.
"The villagers gathered around the stone well to draw water for the day."
A plentiful source or supply of something.
"The retired professor is a bottomless well of historical knowledge."
• verb
To rise to the surface and flow forth (usually referring to a liquid).
"Tears began to well up in her eyes as she listened to the heartfelt speech."
To experience a sudden rise or surge of an emotion.
"A strong sense of pride welled inside him when his daughter accepted the award."
Word Nuance & Usage
"Well" is often confused with "good"; grammatically, "good" is an adjective describing nouns, whereas "well" is typically an adverb describing how an action is performed, though "well" acts as an adjective specifically when referring to good health.
• Rhymes for well
Word Origin & Etymology
The adverb/adjective stems from Old English 'wel' (of Germanic origin, meaning 'according to one's wish'). The noun/verb stems from Old English 'wella' (spring of water), related to 'weallan' (to boil or surge).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.