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   well

   /wɛl/

   adverb

   • 1. in a good or satisfactory way: "the whole team played well" Similar skilfullywith skillablycompetentlyproficientlyadeptlyadroitlydeftlydexterouslyeffectivelyexpertlywith expertiseadmirablyexcellentlyconsummatelyprofessionallyOpposite poorly
   • ▪ in a way that is appropriate to the facts or circumstances: "you did well to come and tell me" Similar satisfactorilyin a satisfactory manner/waynicelycorrectlyrightlyproperlyfittinglysuitablyaptlyappropriatelyOpposite badly
   • ▪ so as to have a fortunate outcome: "his campaign was not going well"
   • ▪ in a kind way: "the animals will remain loyal to humans if treated well" Similar decentlyfairlycivillypolitelygeniallykindlyin a kind/kindly waygenerouslyhospitablyrespectablyhonestlyOpposite harshly
   • ▪ with praise or approval: "people spoke well of him" Similar admiringlyhighlyapprovinglyfavourablyappreciativelywarmlyenthusiasticallyglowinglywith admirationwith praisewith approbationOpposite scornfully
   • ▪ with equanimity: "she took it very well, all things considered"
   • ▪ profitably; advantageously: "she would marry well or not at all"
   • ▪ in a condition of prosperity or comfort: "they lived well and were generous with their money" Similar comfortablyin comfortin (the lap of) luxuryin easesplendidlyprosperouslywithout hardship
   • ▪ luckily; opportunely: archaic "hail fellow, well met"
   • 2. in a thorough manner: "add the mustard and lemon juice and mix well" Similar thoroughlycompletelyefficientlyrigorouslyeffectivelyconscientiouslyindustriouslycarefullycarefullycloselyattentivelyrigorouslyin depthexhaustivelyfrom top to bottomminutelyin detailmeticulouslyscrupulouslyassiduouslyconscientiouslypainstakinglymethodicallycompletelycomprehensivelyfullyto the fullest extentintensivelyextensivelyOpposite casuallynegligently
   • ▪ to a great extent or degree (often used for emphasis): "the visit had been planned well in advance" Similar considerablyvery muchgreatlyto a great/marked extent/degreea great dealmarkedlydecidedlysubstantiallyeasilycomfortablymateriallysignificantlysignallyinformal:seriouslyOpposite barelylittle
   • ▪ intimately; closely: "he knew my father very well" Similar harmoniouslyagreeablypleasantlynicelyhappilypolitelyamicablyamiablyaffablygeniallypeaceablyinformal:famouslyintimatelythoroughlyfullydeeplyprofoundlypersonallyOpposite badly
   • ▪ very; extremely: informal British "he was well out of order"
   • ▪ used as an intensifier: "I should jolly well hope so"
   • 3. very probably; in all likelihood: "being short of breath may well be the first sign of asthma" Similar quite possiblyconceivablyquite likelyprobablyundoubtedlycertainlyunquestionablyjustifiablyreasonably
   • ▪ without difficulty: "she could well afford to pay for the reception herself" Similar easilycomfortablyreadilywith easewithout difficultyeffortlesslyOpposite barely
   • ▪ with good reason: "‘What are we doing here?’ ‘You may well ask.’"

   adjective

   • 1. in good health; free or recovered from illness: "I don't feel very well" Similar healthyin good healthall rightfinefitfighting fitas fit as a fiddleas fit as a flearobuststrongvigorousbloomingthrivingbursting with healthin rude healthhalehale and heartyheartyin good shapein excellent shapein good conditionin tip-top conditionin good trimin fine fettlesoundsound in body and limbinformal:in the pinkup to snuffOpposite poorly
   • ▪ in a satisfactory state or position: "I do hope all is well with you and your family" Similar satisfactoryall rightfinein orderas it should beacceptableinformal:OKfine and dandyhunky-doryjakeinformal, dated:tickety-booOpposite unsatisfactory
   • 2. sensible; advisable: "it would be well to know just what this suggestion entails" Similar advisablesensibleprudentpoliticcommonsensicalwisecannyjudiciousshrewdexpedientprovidentrecommendedadvantageousbeneficialprofitablegainfuldesirablea good ideaOpposite inadvisable

   exclamation

   • 1. used to express a range of emotions including surprise, anger, resignation, or relief: "Well, really! The manners of some people!"
   • ▪ used 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"
   • ▪ used to indicate that one is waiting for an answer or explanation from someone: "Well? You promised to tell me all about it"

   Word Origin Old Englishwel(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.

   Scrabble Points: 7

   • W

     4

   • E

     1

   • L

     1

   • L

     1

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