Well Definition & Meaning
well
- adverb
- (often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (`good' is a nonstandard dialectal variant for `well'); "the children behaved well"; "a task well done"; "the party went well"; "he slept well"; "a well-argued thesis"; "a well-seasoned dish"; "a well-planned party"; "the baby can walk pretty good"
- thoroughly or completely; fully; often used as a combining form; "The problem is well understood"; "she was well informed"; "shake well before using"; "in order to avoid food poisoning be sure the meat is well cooked"; "well-done beef", "well-satisfied customers"; "well-educated"
- indicating high probability; in all likelihood; "I might well do it"; "a mistake that could easily have ended in disaster"; "you may well need your umbrella"; "he could equally well be trying to deceive us"
- (used for emphasis or as an intensifier) entirely or fully; "a book well worth reading"; "was well aware of the difficulties ahead"; "suspected only too well what might be going on"
- to a suitable or appropriate extent or degree; "the project was well underway"; "the fetus has well developed organs"; "his father was well pleased with his grades"
- favorably; with approval; "their neighbors spoke well of them"; "he thought well of the book"
- to a great extent or degree; "I'm afraid the film was well over budget"; "painting the room white made it seem considerably (or substantially) larger"; "the house has fallen considerably in value"; "the price went up substantially"
- with great or especially intimate knowledge; "we knew them well"
- with prudence or propriety; "You would do well to say nothing more"; "could not well refuse"
- with skill or in a pleasing manner; "she dances well"; "he writes well"
- in a manner affording benefit or advantage; "she married well"; "The children were settled advantageously in Seattle"
- in financial comfort; "They live well"; "she has been able to live comfortably since her husband died"
- without unusual distress or resentment; with good humor; "took the joke well"; "took the tragic news well"
- adjective
- in good health especially after having suffered illness or injury; "appears to be entirely well"; "the wound is nearly well"; "a well man"; "I think I'm well; at least I feel well"
- resulting favorably; "it's a good thing that I wasn't there"; "it is good that you stayed"; "it is well that no one saw you"; "all's well that ends well"
- wise or advantageous and hence advisable; "it would be well to start early"
- noun
- a deep hole or shaft dug or drilled to obtain water or oil or gas or brine
- a cavity or vessel used to contain liquid
- an abundant source; "she was a well of information"
- an open shaft through the floors of a building (as for a stairway)
- an enclosed compartment in a ship or plane for holding something as e.g. fish or a plane's landing gear or for protecting something as e.g. a ship's pumps
- verb
- come up, as of a liquid; "Tears well in her eyes"; "the currents well up"
"Well" in song lyrics
See how well is used in real songs:
-
"or maybe the mammals, everything's goin so well"
2 Hungry Bros. present 8thW1 — Talkin -
"So listen up close and listen up well"
2 Live Crew — Check it Out Y'all -
"that well"
2Mex f/ Awol One — Only as Good as Goodbye
Words that rhyme with well
Usage tips for "well"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "well" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for well to find words that pair well.
Use "well" in a verse
Now that you know what "well" means, try using it in your own lyrics:
Generate a verse