well

I. noun Etymology: Middle English welle, from Old English; akin to Old English weallan to bubble, boil, Old High German wella wave, Lithuanian vilnis Date: before 12th century 1. a. an issue of water from the earth ; a pool fed by a spring b. source, origin 2. a. a pit or hole sunk into the earth to reach a supply of water b. a shaft or hole sunk to obtain oil, brine, or gas 3. a. an enclosure in the middle of a ship's hold to protect from damage and facilitate the inspection of the pumps b. a compartment in the hold of a fishing boat in which fish are kept alive 4. an open space extending vertically through floors of a structure 5. a space having a construction or shape suggesting a well for water 6. a. something resembling a well in being damp, cool, deep, or dark b. a deep vertical hole c. a source from which something may be drawn as needed 7. a pronounced minimum of a variable in physics <

a potential well

> II. verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old English wellan to cause to well; akin to Old English weallan to bubble, boil Date: before 12th century intransitive verb 1. to rise to the surface and usually flow forth <

tears welled from her eyes

> 2. to rise like a flood of liquid <

longing welled up in his breast

> transitive verb to emit in a copious free flow III. adverb (better; best) Etymology: Middle English wel, from Old English; akin to Old High German wela well, Old English wyllan to wish — more at will Date: before 12th century 1. a. in a good or proper manner ; justly, rightly b. satisfactorily with respect to conduct or action <

did well in math

> <

works well under pressure

> 2. in a kindly or friendly manner <

spoke well of your idea

> <

wished them well

> 3. a. with skill or aptitude ; expertly, excellently <

paints well

> b. satisfactorily <

the plan worked well

> c. with good appearance or effect ; elegantly <

carried himself well

> 4. with careful or close attention ; attentively <

watch well what I do

> 5. to a high degree <

well deserved the honor

> <

a well-equipped kitchen

> — often used as an intensifier or qualifier <

there are…vacancies pretty well all the time — Listener

> 6. fully, quite <

well worth the price

> 7. a. in a way appropriate to the facts or circumstances ; fittingly, rightly <

well said

> b. in a prudent manner ; sensibly — used with do <

you would do well to reread the material

> 8. in accordance with the occasion or circumstances ; with propriety or good reason <

cannot well refuse

> <

the decision may well be questioned

> 9. a. as one could wish ; pleasingly <

the idea didn't sit well with her

> b. with material success ; advantageously <

married well

> 10. a. easily, readily <

could well afford a new car

> b. in all likelihood ; indeed <

it may well be true

> 11. in a prosperous or affluent manner <

he lives well

> 12. to an extent approaching completeness ; thoroughly <

after being well dried with a towel

> 13. without doubt or question ; clearly <

well knew the penalty

> 14. in a familiar manner <

knew her well

> 15. to a large extent or degree ; considerably, far <

well over a million

> Usage: see good IV. interjection Date: before 12th century 1. — used to indicate resumption of discourse or to introduce a remark <

they are, well, not quite what you'd expect

> 2. — used to express surprise or expostulation <

well, what have we here?

> V. adjective Date: before 12th century 1. a. prosperous, well-off b. being in satisfactory condition or circumstances 2. being in good standing or favor 3. satisfactory, pleasing <

all's well that ends well

> 4. advisable, desirable <

it might be well for you to leave

> 5. a. free or recovered from infirmity or disease ; healthy <

he's not a well man

> b. completely cured or healed <

the wound is nearly well

> 6. pleasing or satisfactory in appearance <

our garden looks well — Conrad Aiken

> 7. being a cause for thankfulness ; fortunate <

it is well that this has happened

> Synonyms: see healthy Usage: see good