Well Definition

wĕl
best, better, welled, welling, wells, better 1
noun
wells
A hole or shaft in the earth dug or drilled to tap an underground supply of water, gas, oil, etc.
Webster's New World
A flow of water from the earth; natural spring and pool.
Webster's New World
Any of various vessels, containers, etc. for holding liquid, as an inkwell.
Webster's New World
A mineral spring.
American Heritage
A source of abundant supply; fount.
A book that is a well of information.
Webster's New World
verb
welled, welling, wells
To flow or spring from or as from a well; gush (up, forth, down, out, etc.)
Webster's New World
To rise to the surface, ready to flow.
Tears welled in my eyes.
American Heritage
To pour forth; gush.
Eyes that welled tears.
Webster's New World
To rise or surge from an inner source.
Anger welled up in me.
American Heritage
adverb
In a proper, friendly, or attentive manner.
To treat a person well.
Webster's New World
Skillfully; expertly.
To sing well.
Webster's New World
Satisfactorily or sufficiently.
Slept well.
American Heritage
In a pleasing or desirable manner; satisfactorily.
Work that is going well.
Webster's New World
Successfully or effectively.
Gets along well with people.
American Heritage
adjective
better 1, best
Suitable, proper, fit, right, etc.
It is well that he came.
Webster's New World
Not ailing, infirm, or diseased; healthy.
American Heritage
In a good or satisfactory condition; favorable; comfortable.
Things are well with us.
Webster's New World
Cured or healed, as a wound.
American Heritage
Of or characterized by the maintenance of good health practices. Often used in combination.
A well-baby clinic; a well-child visit to the doctor.
American Heritage
interjection
Used variously to express agreement, resignation, surprise, inquiry, expostulation, etc.
Webster's New World
Used to preface or resume one's remarks.
Webster's New World
idiom
as well
  • In addition; also:

    mentioned other matters as well.

  • With equal effect:

    I might as well go.

American Heritage
in well with
  • In a position to influence or be favored by:

    He's in well with management.

American Heritage
as well
  • besides; in addition
  • with equal justification, propriety, or effect; equally
Webster's New World
as well as
  • in addition to
Webster's New World
wish someone well
  • to wish success or good fortune for someone
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Well

Noun

Singular:
well
Plural:
Wells

Adjective

Base Form:
well
Comparative:
better 1
Superlative:
best

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Well

Origin of Well

  • From Middle English wel, wal, wol, wele, from Old English wel, wæl, well (“well, abundantly, very, very easily, very much, fully, quite, nearly”), from Proto-Germanic *wela, *walō (“well”, literally “as wished, as desired”), from Proto-Indo-European *wel- (“wish, desire”), *wol-. Cognate with Scots wele, weil (“well”), North Frisian wel, weil, wal (“well”), West Frisian wol (“well”), Dutch wel (“well”), Low German wol (“well”), German wol, wohl (“well”), Danish vel (“well”), Swedish väl (“well”), Icelandic vel, val (“well”). Non-Germanic cognate include Albanian vallë (“well, perhaps, wishfully”). Related to will.

    From Wiktionary

  • From Old English weallan. Cognate with German wallen (“boil, seethe”), Danish vælde (“gush”), Albanian valoj (“I boil, seethe”).

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English welle from Old English wel-2 in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Middle English wel from Old English wel-1 in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Old English well (“well”), from Proto-Germanic *wall-.

    From Wiktionary

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