well

I

[[t]wɛl[/t]]

adv. adj. compar. bet•ter, superl. best,

1) in a good or satisfactory manner:

Our plans are going well[/ex]

2) thoroughly, carefully, or soundly:

Shake well before using[/ex]

3) in a moral or proper manner:

to behave well[/ex]

4) commendably, meritoriously, or excellently:

a difficult task well handled[/ex]

5) with propriety, justice, or reason:

I could not well refuse[/ex]

6) with favor or approval:

to think well of someone[/ex]

7) comfortably or prosperously:

to live well[/ex]

8) to a considerable extent or degree:

a sum well over the amount agreed upon[/ex]

9) with great or intimate knowledge:

to know a person well[/ex]

10) certainly; without doubt:

I cry easily, as you well know[/ex]

11) with good nature; without rancor:

He took the joke well[/ex]

12) in good health; sound in body and mind:

He is not a well man[/ex]

13) satisfactory, pleasing, or good:

All is well with us[/ex]

14) proper, fitting, or gratifying:

It is well that you didn't go[/ex]

15) in a satisfactory position; well-off:

I am very well as I am[/ex]

16) (used to express surprise, reproof, etc.):

Well! There's no need to shout[/ex]

17) (used to introduce a sentence, resume a conversation, etc.):

Well, it's time to go home[/ex]

18) well-being; good fortune; success:

to wish well to someone[/ex]

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- as well as well as leave well enough alone

Etymology: bef. 900; ME, OE wel(l) (adj. and adv.), c. OFris, OS wel, ON vel well′ness, n. usage: See good II

well

[[t]wɛl[/t]] n.

1) min a hole drilled or bored into the earth to obtain water, petroleum, natural gas, brine, or sulfur

2) geo a spring or natural source of water

3) an apparent reservoir or a source of human feelings, emotions, energy, etc.:

a well of compassion[/ex]

4) a container, receptacle, or reservoir for a liquid, as ink

5) bui any sunken or deep enclosed space, as a shaft for air or light, stairs, or an elevator, extending vertically through the floors of a building

6) a hollow compartment, recessed area, or depression for holding a specific item or items, as fish in the bottom of a boat or the retracted wheels of an airplane in flight

7) Naut.

naut. a part of a weather deck between two superstructures, extending from one side of a vessel to the other

8) to rise, spring, or gush, as water, from the earth or some other source (often fol. by up, out, or forth):

Tears welled up in my eyes[/ex]

9) to send welling up or forth

10) like, of, resembling, from, or used in connection with a well

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Etymology: bef. 900; (n.) ME well(e), OE wylle, wella, c. OHG welle wave; (v.) ME; OE weallan to boil, melt, c. OOHG wallan