well
noun
Definitions of well noun
- Countable
a deep hole in the ground from which water, oil, or gas can be obtained
verb
Definitions of well verb
- IntransitiveVerb + adv/prep
to rise to the surface or flow out from within
Sewage welled up from the broken pipe.
Tears welled in her eyes as she read the letter.
A mix of emotions welled within him.
adjective
Definitions of well adjective
- A1After verb
in good health; not sick
He has not been feeling well recently.
She looked unwell when she got back from school.
I'm sorry to hear you're sick; I hope you get well soon.
adverb
Definitions of well adverb
manner
- A1
in a manner that is good, satisfactory, or skillful
The documentary did a good job of showing different sides of the issue.
The concert was well advertised, but ticket sales were disappointing.
a well-tailored suit
degree
- A2
to a great extent; completely
Knead the dough well, then divide it into four equal parts.
He could very well imagine the cost of his promise.
I am unable to take the bus—there are no buses after midnight, as you well know.
- C1
used to emphasize some prepositions
The results are much better/worse than we anticipated.
Stay well away from the edge of the cliff.
It cost significantly over £100.
- B2
used to emphasize some adjectives
The police are fully aware of the situation.
The museum is definitely worth visiting.
Some of the machines resemble cheap, plastic toys - it's best to leave them well alone.
- slang
very
That movie was really good.
Be careful of those two; they are tough guys.
reason
- B2
with good reason
She might very well be the best person to consult.
It would be inappropriate to refuse their generous offer.
Phrases of well adverb
- as well (as)
in addition to something or someone; also
• She is fluent in French, and she speaks Spanish as well.
exclamation
Definitions of well exclamation
- A1
used to introduce something you are going to say, often to show surprise, doubt, slight disagreement, or anger, or to continue a story
Well, what do we do now?
Well then, how are we going to organize everything?
"Who was that?" "Well, I can't recall her name."
Idioms
- all very well
This idiom indicates that something is acceptable or useful in some situations but not ideal or perfect in every situation.
• Picnics are all very well when the weather is nice, but they don't work when it rains.
- well out of something
Describes a situation where someone or something is fortunate to not be involved in a particular situation or event.
• Hearing about the company's layoffs, I'm so glad I chose to leave when I did; I was well out of that.
- be just as well
It is fortunate or advantageous that something is the case or that something has happened.
• It's just as well you didn't come, this concert is terrible.
- well done
Used to express praise and approval for someone's successful achievement.
• "Your report is very well-written." "Well done!"
- well in (with)
to have a good relationship with someone, often resulting in personal advantages due to their liking of you.
• She's well in with the manager, so she always gets preferential treatment.
- well and truly
To an absolute or complete degree; thoroughly.
• After hearing all the evidence, the jury was well and truly convinced of the defendant's guilt.
- all is well
Used to indicate that everything is in a satisfactory or acceptable state.
• After this checkup, all is well.
- be all very well
used to express that something may be acceptable in theory but has practical problems or is not truly acceptable.
• Your theory is all very well, but putting it into practice is not easy.
- may/might as well
Used to suggest doing something because there is no better or more appealing alternative.
• Since the weather is so terrible, we may as well stay home and watch a movie.