well

I UK [wel] / US adverb
Word forms "well":
comparative better UK [ˈbetə(r)] / US [ˈbetər] superlative best UK [best] / US
***

Collocations:

Well is used for making many compound adjectives (=formed from two or more words). In this dictionary, these adjectives appear with a hyphen and this is how you will normally see them when they are not used before a noun: a well-known actor When these compound adjectives are used after a noun, however, they are usually written without a hyphen: She is well known for her work in TV.

1) in a skilful or effective way

She speaks Japanese well.

very/rather/fairly/quite well:

He plays the piano very well for someone of his age.

a) in a way that is satisfactory

The boys were not behaving very well.

pretty well (= fairly well):

I can see pretty well without my glasses.

b) in a complete or thorough way

Shake the can well before opening.

I don't know these people very well.

2)

a) very, or very much: used for emphasizing what you are saying

well aware:

Rostov was well aware of the scandal he was creating.

well worth:

A trip to the new museum is well worth the effort.

b) used for emphasizing that a period of time or a distance is long

well after/before:

Pete left the party well before you got there.

well ahead/behind:

Paula finished the race well ahead of the other runners.

•

cannot/can't very well — used for saying that it would not be wise or sensible to do something

We can't very well tell them now.

know full/perfectly well — to know something while pretending not to

You know full well what I am talking about.

may/might (just) as well do something — informal used for saying that it might be a good idea to do something although it is not essential

We might as well wait a little longer for them.

- as well

- be doing well

- be doing well for yourself

- do well by someone

- well done

See:

mean I, speak

II UK [wel] / US interjection ***

Get it right: well:

Well is used mainly in informal English, especially in conversation. In academic writing and professional reports, it is better not to use well:
Wrong: It is said that increased violence is the fault of TV. Well, to some extent, I agree.
Right: It is said that increased violence is the fault of TV. To some extent, I agree.
Wrong: The process of uniting Europe is not easy. Well, for example, unifying standards is a time-consuming procedure.
Right: The process of uniting Europe is not easy. For example, unifying standards is a time-consuming procedure.

1) used for introducing a statement, especially one that you make as a reply

Well, I agree with you about that.

Well, I haven't seen you for a long time.

a) used for replying to someone when you think that there is something slightly wrong with what they have said

Well, I wouldn't have put it quite like that.

b) used for replying to someone when they are expecting you to say "yes", but the answer is "no"

"So you told him what you thought of his idea, then?" "Well, not exactly."

2) used for asking a question or for asking for an explanation

Well, what did they say?

Well, who's responsible for this mess?

3)

a) used for continuing to tell someone something after a pause

Well, as I was saying...

b) used when telling a story for introducing the words that you or someone else has said

So then she says well pack your things and go!

4) used for expressing a feeling such as doubt, surprise, or anger

Well, they have a nerve!

Well, I don't know about that.

5) used for ending a discussion or talk

Well, that's all for now.

•

- oh well

- very well

- well, well

III UK [wel] / US adjective
Word forms "well":
adjective well comparative better UK [ˈbetə(r)] / US [ˈbetər] superlative best UK [best] / US
**

if you are well, or if you are feeling well, your health is good

"How are you?" "Very well, thank you."

I'm not feeling very well today.

You don't look too well.

•

(all) well and good — spoken used for saying that you are satisfied with a situation, or with some aspects of a situation but not with others

If old people can be looked after at home all well and good, but they need the facilities.

get well (soon) — used for giving good wishes to someone who is ill

leave/let well alone — to avoid trying to improve or change something that is satisfactory

Sometimes it's better to just leave well alone.

- all is well

- all's well that ends well

- just as well

IV UK [wel] / US noun [countable]
Word forms "well":
singular well plural wells
**

1) a deep hole that is dug in the ground to provide a supply of water

We used to get our water from a well.

2) a deep hole dug in the ground where there is a supply of oil or gas

V = well up
well UK [wel] / US or well up UK / US verb [intransitive]
Word forms "well":
present tense I/you/we/they well he/she/it wells present participle welling past tense welled past participle welled
Word forms "well up":
present tense I/you/we/they well up

1) if a liquid wells or wells up, it comes to the surface and is about to flow out

With tears welling in his eyes, Palmer walked away.

2) if feelings well or well up inside you, they become very strong

A sense of hurt and outrage welled up inside him.