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单词 well
释义

well1

/wɛl /
adverb (better, best)
1In a good or satisfactory way: the whole team played well...
  • My mash was creamy and tasty, and the leeks complemented the hotpot well.
  • The ciabatta, crisp and coated in garlic was an excellent accompaniment and mixed well with the coulee.
  • With the Community Hall progressing well, local clubs are planning for the future.

Synonyms

skilfully, with skill, ably, competently, proficiently, adeptly, adroitly, deftly, dexterously, effectively, expertly, with expertise, admirably, excellently, consummately, professionally
1.1In a way that is appropriate to the facts or circumstances: you did well to come and tell me [as submodifier, in combination]: a well-timed exit...
  • In fact, it works well to lean down on your arm and use your weight to help yourself pivot.
  • In fact he adapted so well that he was to spend the next twenty seven and a half years in the Police Force.
  • You hold your own in an argument because you are always well armed with the facts.

Synonyms

satisfactorily, in a satisfactory manner/way, nicely, correctly, rightly, properly, fittingly, suitably, aptly, appropriately
1.2So as to have a fortunate outcome: his campaign was not going well...
  • I've always run really well in practice, and I have been fortunate to qualify well.
  • Fortunately, it's worked out well and been a financial success, but did we know that going in?
  • If Fernando has done well there is praise, if he had been booked or cost Rangers a goal there is criticism and a tantrum.
1.3In a kind way: the animals will remain loyal to humans if treated well...
  • We all like people to treat us well, to acknowledge us, to talk to us, to bond with us.
  • I was impressed with how well he treats the little guys and thought you might like to know.
  • If you want to be treated well, then very sweetly but firmly demand the respect you want.

Synonyms

decently, fairly, civilly, politely, genially, kindly, in a kind/kindly way, generously, hospitably;
respectably, honestly
1.4With praise or approval: people spoke well of him the film was quite well reviewed at the time...
  • This is a major relief organisation working across India and which is extremely well respected.
  • The real deal is to explain why such stories should be so well received by the people of Taiwan.
  • It was at a television show that Muthoni's mother spoke well of her daughter's abilities after attending a special school where music was well factored.

Synonyms

admiringly, highly, approvingly, favourably, appreciatively, warmly, enthusiastically, glowingly, with admiration, with praise, with approbation
1.5With equanimity: she took it very well, all things considered...
  • The way to get a promotion is to take criticism well, but most people don't know they don't do it well.
  • Christine took the bad news well enough but the rest of the Top 9 contestants were devastated to see their fellow singer sent home.
1.6Profitably; advantageously: she would marry well or not at all...
  • They were a family line who seemed to have specialised in marrying well.
  • Olga predicated that it would him and myself who would marry well into St Petersburg society.
  • She had been considered very attractive when she was younger, and had married well at the time.
1.7In a condition of prosperity or comfort: they lived well and were generous with their money...
  • It does not see that a nation being prosperous is about individual citizens living well.
  • People won't be inspired to learn Mandarin because a lot of them are already living well.
  • Death will still bring us peace, but the challenge is how to live this life well, not waste time preparing for the next.

Synonyms

comfortably, in comfort, in (the lap of) luxury, in ease, splendidly, prosperously, without hardship
1.8 archaic Luckily; opportunely: hail fellow, well met...
  • Will it be a case of hail, hail fellow well met from the Broomloan slopes?
  • He was "hail, fellow, well met" with everyone the moment he reached town.
  • He is a jolly well-met fellow, like clubmen generally are, but perfectly honorable and straightforward.
2In a thorough manner: add the mustard and lemon juice and mix well...
  • Gently stir together the first six ingredients with a pinch of salt until well mixed.
  • Most cookbooks get over this difficult stage by saying mix thoroughly and knead well.
  • Stir in the rice and break up any clumps so that all the grains get coated individually and everything mixes up well.

Synonyms

thoroughly, completely, efficiently, rigorously, effectively, conscientiously, industriously, carefully
carefully, closely, attentively, rigorously, in depth, exhaustively, from top to bottom, minutely, in detail, meticulously, scrupulously, assiduously, conscientiously, painstakingly, methodically, completely, comprehensively, fully, to the fullest extent, intensively, extensively
2.1To a great extent or degree (often used for emphasis): the visit had been planned well in advance [as submodifier, in combination]: a well-loved colleague a well-deserved reputation...
  • From that moment on I vowed to plan my costume well in advance and put a little thought into it.
  • The key to planning a holiday for a large party is to book well in advance to ensure you all fly together and stay in the same hotel.
  • Plans to extend the fishery are well advanced and it is hoped to commence work in the next few weeks.

Synonyms

considerably, very much, greatly, to a great/marked extent/degree, a great deal, markedly, decidedly, substantially, easily, comfortably, materially, significantly, signally
informal seriously
2.2Intimately; closely: he knew my father very well...
  • People who are well versed in hip-hop understand the need for diversity in the culture.
  • works of the seven, he adopts the more personal stance of one well versed in the arts.
  • I, and many people who knew him well, were saddened when we heard of his violent death.

Synonyms

harmoniously, agreeably, pleasantly, nicely, happily, politely, amicably, amiably, affably, genially, peaceably
informal famously
intimately, thoroughly, fully, deeply, profoundly, personally
2.3 [as submodifier] British informal Very; extremely: he was well out of order...
  • In any event, an appeal against the order of 3 March 2000 is well out of time, the parties have acted in the meantime on the basis that the order was not under challenge, and it would be wrong, now, to extend time.
  • I realised my daughter was well out of the way and my only thought was to get out.
  • And railways especially were well out of fashion.
2.4 [with submodifier] Used as an intensifier: I should jolly well hope so...
  • At this point, Brash should have told Dallow to bloody well look it up for himself.
  • They knew bloody well that these people were doing harmful things to innocent people.
  • This shows us both that we can do better, and that we bloody well should.
3 [with modal] Very probably; in all likelihood: being short of breath may well be the first sign of asthma...
  • If so, the risk of litigation might well discourage the practice of defensive hacking even if it should be legal.
  • These may well be the same birds at times congregating on flooded pits at Tottenhill on the fen borders.
  • Indicators of what is possible and what is required may well follow from the results of a strategic assessment.

Synonyms

quite possibly, conceivably, quite likely, probably;
undoubtedly, certainly, unquestionably;
justifiably, reasonably
3.1Without difficulty: she could well afford to pay for the reception herself...
  • The couple can well afford to pay the fine, but should probably get rid of their lax driver.
  • Does it make sense to give each of us a subsidy, when we can perfectly well afford the full price?
  • They could well afford it, given the umpteen millions they rake in from the motoring public.

Synonyms

easily, comfortably, readily, with ease, without difficulty, effortlessly
3.2With good reason: ‘What are we doing here?’ ‘You may well ask.’...
  • Your Lordship has well in mind the degree to which the arguments found favour and to which they did not.
  • Merchants could well balk at supporting incompatible payment operations.
  • Why, you may well ask, does The Register class vagueness of this order as a clarification?
adjective (better, best) [predicative]
1In good health; free or recovered from illness: I don’t feel very well it would be some time before Sarah was completely well [attributive]: informal I am not a well man...
  • Get well wishes were sent to Mary Foyle who is recovering after her recent illness.
  • It has also correctly labelled as disease free most, but not all, of the well people.
  • Mason Brown took remedial action, prescribed his own cure and is now completely well.

Synonyms

healthy, in good health, all right, fine, fit, fighting fit, as fit as a fiddle, as fit as a flea, robust, strong, vigorous, blooming, thriving, bursting with health, in rude health, hale, hale and hearty, hearty, in good shape, in excellent shape, in good condition, in tip-top condition, in good trim, in fine fettle, sound, sound in body and limb
informal in the pink, up to snuff
1.1In a satisfactory state or position: I do hope all is well with you and your family...
  • To this I wish Cllr Clarke well and hope she will help to carry on the Town Council's good name and work.
  • We wish St. Declan's well and hope they will retain this flag for many years to come.
  • We wish him well and let us hope his first game against the Dubs ends in success.

Synonyms

satisfactory, all right, fine, in order, as it should be, acceptable
informal OK, fine and dandy, hunky-dory
North American & Australian/New Zealand informal jake
British informal, dated tickety-boo
2Sensible; advisable: it would be well to know just what this suggestion entails...
  • But would it not be well to limit grand juries to the investigation of felons, and leave misdemeanors to inferior courts?
  • Only--if we decide to buy, it would be well to be moved in and settled before winter.

Synonyms

advisable, sensible, prudent, politic, commonsensical, wise, canny, judicious, shrewd, expedient, provident, recommended, advantageous, beneficial, profitable, gainful, desirable;
a good idea
exclamation
1Used to express a range of emotions including surprise, anger, resignation, or relief: Well, really! The manners of some people!...
  • If I could look back and say, well, there was always the yacht - that would be something.
  • You can tell when people really got it or, well, that's not for me, and you always get a bit of that.
  • That sounds arrogant but I liked the part, and I thought, well, who's he gonna get?
1.1Used when pausing to consider one’s next words, to mark the resumption or end of a conversation, etc. well, I suppose I could fit you in at 3.45 well, cheers, Tom—I must fly...
  • Well, duped is too strong a word for it, but mislead seems a bit, well, too innocent.
  • At the time, it was considered a shabby place to live, because, well, we were a shabby family.
  • Whether snapped in Times Square or Tiananmen Square, they always look, well, square.
1.2Used to indicate that one is waiting for an answer or explanation from someone: Well? You promised to tell me all about it...
  • Have you finished reading Harry Potter yet? Well, have you?
  • "Well, where do they come from then?"
  • If you don't think it is a good idea, well, what other ideas have you got?

Usage

The adverb well is often used in combination with past participles to form adjectival compounds: well adjusted, well intentioned, well known, and so on. As far as hyphenation is concerned, the general stylistic principle is that if the adjectival compound is placed attributively (i.e. it comes before the noun), it should be hyphenated (a well-intentioned remark) but that if it is placed predicatively (i.e. standing alone after the verb), it should not be hyphenated (her remarks were well intentioned). In this dictionary the unhyphenated form is generally the only one given, although the hyphenated form may be seen in illustrative examples.

Phrases

as well

as well as

as well he (or she etc.) might (or may)

be well away

be well in with

be well out of

very well

(all) well and good

well and truly

well enough

well worth

Origin

Old English wel(l), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch wel and German wohl; probably also to the verb will1. Vowel lengthening in Middle English gave rise to the current Scots form weel.

  • The well meaning ‘in a good way’ and well ‘shaft giving access to water’ are different Old English words. The first provides the first half of welfare (Middle English). The start of welcome (Old English), on the other hand, is from another Old English element, wil- meaning ‘pleasure’—welcome originally meant ‘a person whose arrival is pleasing’. Wealth (Middle English) has a basic sense of ‘well-being’, being formed from well in the same way that health (Old English) is formed from hale (see wassail). The title of Shakespeare's comedy All's Well that Ends Well was already an old saying when he wrote the play at the beginning of the 17th century. The first record of the proverb is as early as 1250. People have been well endowed only since the 1950s, but men could be well-hung in the early 17th century. At this time it meant ‘having large ears’ as well as ‘having a large penis’. The well you get water from is Old English wella ‘spring of water’, of Germanic origin, from a base meaning ‘boil, bubble up’,

Rhymes

well2

/wɛl /
noun
1A shaft sunk into the ground to obtain water, oil, or gas.Different concentrations of ground water nitrate were obtained by drilling irrigation wells into two aquifers....
  • The water available in villages is drawn from wells sunk in tanks and lakes.
  • Water for human consumption was traditionally obtained from wells, ponds, or rivers.

Synonyms

borehole, spring, waterhole, bore, shaft
1.1 archaic A water spring or fountain.By a gurgling well stood a handsome peasant woman with red arms, pouring water into the milk that she was going to carry to the city....
  • A gurgling well sprang from the foot of the altar, saving the townspeople from dying of thirst.
1.2 (Wells) [in place names] A place where there are mineral springs: Tunbridge Wells...
  • The springs gave birth to the town and while Llandrindod Wells itself cannot be said to have been in existence much longer than a hundred years, there are landmarks in its development that span two or three centuries.
  • Tenbury had the ‘Wells’ added to its name in the mid 19th century to help promote the Mineral Water Wells that had been found in the town from 1840 onwards.
  • Tenbury Wells is a small ancient market town situated in the very north west of Worcestershire on the A456, close to the borders of Herefordshire and Shropshire.
1.3A depression made to hold liquid: put the flour on a flat surface and make a well to hold the eggs...
  • The released liquids are gathered in wells specifically designed for that purpose.
  • One of the challenges in this process has been filling the femtoliter wells with liquid.
  • Later on we saw other wells that were simply depressions in rock with water coming from an unknown source, green with cress, and perhaps housed in a 19th Century hut.
2A plentiful source or supply: she could feel a deep well of sympathy and compassion...
  • This originative source is a well from which very different kinds of poems can be drawn up.
  • There are deep wells of poverty in both which are a living reproach to their political representatives.
  • It is another job that requires individuals to plumb deep wells of patience.

Synonyms

source, supply, wellspring, fount, fountainhead, reservoir, mine, fund, bank, repository, storehouse, treasury
3An enclosed space in the middle of a building, giving room for stairs or a lift, or to allow light or ventilation.Hundreds of builders work like ants to construct walls, foundations, stairs, lift wells....
  • It is pulled inside and set in place before the front center console, lighted front door step wells and rear ‘kick guards’ are installed.
  • It took four years and over £1m to build the Midland, its six storeys arranged in a figure of eight around two wells, allowing as much natural light to the interior as possible.
3.1British The place in a law court where the clerks and ushers sit.Other copies of which are available in the well of the court for any member of the public who wishes to read it....
  • To summarize, spoken language interpreters are stationed in the well of the courtroom only when there is a NES witness involved.
  • Also, only members of the bar are to be seated inside the rail and in the well of the Court.
4US A shelf beneath the counter of a bar on which bottles of alcohol are stored within easy reach of the person serving: you would have never heard of the label of the gin in the well in average bars...
  • Well drinks are poured 'out of the well', a 'speed rack' of stock liquors kept at the bartender's station.
  • The clear glass bottle features a thick bottom for an enriched, specialty look, while the long body and short neck creates an aesthetically taller appearance that also functions easily in the bartenders’ well.
  • Because the well holds your average liquor, and is easily accessed, most drinks are made from that location of the bar.
4.1 [as modifier] Denoting or made with the relatively inexpensive brands of alcohol stored in the well of a bar. Compare with call (sense 9 of the noun). happy hour is from 4 to 7 p.m. weekdays, with $4 well drinks and draft beers three shots of well tequila...
  • Drink specials, including small pitchers of beer for $4.25 and well drinks for $3.75, also are available.
  • Also, get draft beers and well drinks for $3.
  • Wine, beer, and well drinks are all on us.
5 Physics A region of minimum potential: a gravity well...
  • Sandwiched in the middle of the semiconductor are two layers of quantum wells in which the electrons and holes are created and confined to a 2D world.
  • Quantum wells consist of a thin sheet of crystalline semiconductor sandwiched between two sheets of another semiconductor.
  • Faced with the new electric fields introduced by the sound wave, the electrons and holes in the quantum well seek out their respective points of minimum energy in the presence of the fields.
verb [no object, with adverbial] (often well up)
1(Of a liquid) rise up to the surface and spill or be about to spill: tears were beginning to well up in her eyes...
  • The researchers think the water welled up from beneath the planet's surface about five million years ago.
  • The new cut on her hand glinted in the light, as the beads of blood welled up to the surface.
  • As he thought the name, a single tear welled up and rolled down the Ursine's brown muzzle.

Synonyms

flow, stream, run, rush, gush, course, roll, cascade, flood, surge, rise, spurt, spout, squirt, jet;
ooze, seep, trickle;
burst, issue, discharge;
spill, overflow, brim over
rare disembogue
1.1(Of an emotion) develop and become more intense: all the old bitterness began to well up inside her again...
  • One could sense the drama welling up blocks away from the auditorium at Sacramento State.
  • He nodded and you could see confidence welling up inside him.
  • As the Birdwoman stood in front of the window admiring the dress, an urge started to well up inside her.

Origin

Old English wella, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch wel and German Welle 'a wave'.

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