Well (Adverb)
Meaning 1
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".
Examples
- The company is well beyond its projected growth for the year.
- This restaurant serves meals that are well above average in quality.
- The entire area was well over 50 square kilometers in size.
- The new policy has benefits that far exceed anything seen before, it is well above what anyone expected.
- The property prices have dropped well below what they were a few years ago.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
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".
Examples
- The cake was well baked, and it was moist and fluffy.
- She is well read on various topics and always contributes insightful opinions.
- His company is well known for providing high-quality services.
- The exercise is well suited for strengthening core muscles.
- Her students were well prepared for the math test due to her detailed explanations.
Meaning 3
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".
Examples
- The teacher was well prepared for the class and had all the necessary materials.
- She had a well established career in medicine before switching to law.
- The doctor explained the diagnosis well so the patient could understand.
- The house was well insulated, making it warm in winter and cool in summer.
- The organization relied on its well trained staff to provide excellent customer service.
Meaning 4
In a manner affording benefit or advantage; "she married well"; "The children were settled advantageously in Seattle".
Examples
- She married well and was happy for the rest of her life.
- The company invested well and saw significant returns on their stocks.
- He studied well for the exam and got excellent grades.
- The family was settled well in their new home in the suburbs.
- The children were raised well and became successful in their careers.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Meaning 5
(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".
Examples
- The teacher praised the students for doing their project well.
- The hotel staff treated us well during our stay.
- She played the piano well, considering she's only been practicing for a year.
- The flowers are blooming well in the garden after the rain.
- The company's financial reports were well-received by the investors.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Meaning 6
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".
Examples
- Given the company's success last quarter, it may well become a major industry player.
- They have already offered you a substantial raise, you may well want to accept it now.
- With these unfavorable weather forecasts, it's very likely the party could well get canceled tonight.
- That severe earthquake that struck our area in the '70s might well have had catastrophic results.
- With an annual temperature in July frequently in excess of 32°C it is an option well suited for tropical travel and tourist escapes and holiday outings abroad could be rather extremely sweltering overseas elsewhere to very less desired humid non English talking Countries like perhaps Sri Lanka however Portugal which includes large districts especially covering only ten provinces - plus additional high area plus Madeira – western North island mostly offers attractive favorable prospects summer getaway throughout North-West most continental geographical provincesHeaderCodevinfosAlthough - extremely valid prospects rather holidays so near southern low season period seem set there generally there all days holiday as people increasingly on what grounds further throughout regions being entirely normal then
Synonyms
Meaning 7
With prudence or propriety; "You would do well to say nothing more"; "could not well refuse".
Examples
- You would do well to think carefully before investing all your money in one stock.
- She could not well abandon her friend in a time of crisis.
- I would not well advise trying to fix the computer without proper training.
- You would not have done well to underestimate your opponent's abilities.
- It would not be well for you to ignore her warnings.
Meaning 8
(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".
Usages
Examples
- She was well aware of the potential risks involved in the project.
- The play was well received by both critics and audiences alike.
- He knew well enough not to trust his brother with the money.
- The city was well equipped to handle the influx of tourists.
- The hotel room was well stocked with everything they needed.
Meaning 9
With skill or in a pleasing manner; "she dances well"; "he writes well".
Examples
- She sings well in the school choir and often performs solos.
- He plays the guitar well and has been in several bands.
- The new chef cooks well and has already received rave reviews.
- The company's accountant manages the finances well and has helped them stay profitable.
- She paints well and has even sold a few of her pieces to local art collectors.
Antonyms
Meaning 10
Without unusual distress or resentment; with good humor; "took the joke well"; "took the tragic news well".
Examples
- She took the news of her retirement well, smiling and laughing as she reminisced about her years on the job.
- The comedian's jokes were often at his own expense, but he took them well, never seeming to mind a bit of self-deprecation.
- The fired employee took the news well, shaking hands and wishing his former boss the best of luck in the future.
- When her mother passed away, she took the news surprisingly well, coping with the loss in a way that inspired those around her.
- The athlete took the loss well, graciously congratulating the opposing team on their victory.
Antonyms
Meaning 11
In financial comfort; "They live well"; "she has been able to live comfortably since her husband died".
Examples
- She inherited a fortune and has been able to live well since her husband passed away.
- Her successful career allowed her to live well in a beautiful house with her family.
- After years of saving, they can now travel well, visiting exotic destinations around the world.
- His clever investments enabled him to live well despite being semi-retired in his 50s.
- She continued to live well on her late husband's generous pension and careful investments.
Synonyms
Meaning 12
With great or especially intimate knowledge; "we knew them well".
Examples
- She had worked with him for years and knew his strengths and weaknesses well.
- The tourists got lost in the city because they didn't know the streets well.
- He was a close friend of the family and knew their history well.
- The researchers studied the effects of climate change on polar bears well.
- The experienced hikers navigated the treacherous terrain well.
Synonyms
Meaning 13
Favorably; with approval; "their neighbors spoke well of them"; "he thought well of the book".
Examples
- Their parents always spoke well of them and encouraged their accomplishments.
- Everyone who read the new novel thought well of it, despite the author being unknown.
- Her manager spoke well of her in front of the whole company, citing her hard work and dedication.
- They heard a lot about him from friends who seemed to think well of his musical talents.
- Critics and viewers alike spoke well of the play and predicted its Broadway run would be long and successful.