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well [ wel ] (comparative bet·ter [ béttər ], superlative best [ best ]) CORE MEANING: a grammatical word indicating that something is satisfactory or is performed in a satisfactory way
  She did very well on her test. |
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1. adverb pleasingly or desirably: in an efficient, satisfying, or otherwise desirable way
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often used in combination
)
I thought the party went very well.
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2. adverb ethically or properly: in an ethical, proper, or courteous way
He always treated the children very well.
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3. adverb skillfully or expertly: with proficiency, skill, or expertise
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often used in combination
)
She plays tennis really well.
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4. adverb justly and appropriately: with justice and good reason
I could not very well refuse her request.
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5. adverb comfortably: in ease and comfort
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often used in combination
)
I just want to be rich enough to live well.
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6. adverb advantageously: in a way that promotes somebody's advantage and well-being
(
often used in combination
)
She married well.
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7. adverb conducive to good health: in a way that promotes health and physical well-being
(
often used in combination
)
Both mother and baby are doing well.
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8. adverb considerably: to a considerable extent, distance, or degree
(
often used in combination
)
I was well prepared for the exams.
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9. adverb fully and thoroughly: in a complete and thorough way
(
often used in combination
)
Stir the mixture well, then turn it out onto a baking sheet.
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10. adverb with certainty: with no doubt whatever about something
As you well know, I will not tolerate any laziness.
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11. adverb familiarly and intimately: in a familiar and intimate way
I knew them well when they were students.
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12. adverb good-naturedly: taking something in a tolerant or good-humored way
I teased him but he took it well.
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13. adjective in good health: mentally and physically healthy
I don't feel very well.
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14. adjective proper or appropriate: suitable, proper, or appropriate in the circumstances
It is as well that you apologized to her.
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15. adjective highly satisfactory: in a good, pleasing, or satisfying condition
Is everything well with you?
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16. interjection expressing emotion: expresses surprise, agreement, indignation, disapproval, or some other emotion
Well! You've finally come back!
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17. interjection introducing or resuming: introduces a comment or statement, or resumes a conversation
Well, it looks as if we'll be waiting a while.
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| [ Old English wel(l)< Indo-European, "to wish"] |
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as well in addition to something
The members were mostly young couples, but there were several grandparents as well.
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as well as to an equal degree or extent
Banking, as well as other businesses, will take the demographics into consideration.
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be as well to do something to be advisable or sensible to do something
It would be as well to look at a variety of mutual funds before investing your savings.
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be well used to wish somebody well on parting (informal)
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be well out of something to be fortunate in having escaped from a difficult or unhappy situation (informal)
You're well out of it - they weren't treating you very nicely in that job.
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that's or it's (just) as well used to indicate that something is fortunate
It's just as well that she's going to be a little late, because we're not quite ready.
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well and good indicating qualified approval
If he wants to come with us, well and good, but he'll have to pay his share.
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