Collins English-English Dictionary

well [wεl]

1. 1. adv [often used in combination] in a satisfactory manner

   the party went very well

2. 2. adv [often used in combination] in a good, skilful, or pleasing manner

   she plays the violin well

3. 3. adv in a correct or careful manner

   listen well to my words

4. 4. adv in a comfortable or prosperous manner

   to live well

5. 5. adv [usually used with auxiliaries] suitably; fittingly

   you can't very well say that

6. 6. adv intimately

   I knew him well

7. 7. adv in a kind or favourable manner

   she speaks well of you

8. 8. adv to a great or considerable extent; fully

   to be well informed

9. 9. adv by a considerable margin

   let me know well in advance

10. 10. adv [preceded by could, might, or may] indeed

    you may well have to do it yourself

11. 11. adv [informal] (intensifier)

    well safe

12. 12. adj [usually postpositive] [when prenominal, usually used with a negative] in good health

    I'm very well, thank you

    he's not a well man

13. 13. adj satisfactory, agreeable, or pleasing

14. 14. adj prudent; advisable

    it would be well to make no comment

15. 15. adj prosperous or comfortable

16. 16. adj fortunate or happy

    it is well that you agreed to go

17. 17. interj an expression of surprise, indignation, or reproof

18. 18. interj an expression of anticipation in waiting for an answer or remark

19. 19. sentence connector an expression used to preface a remark, gain time, etc

    well, I don't think I will come

20. 20. sentence connector [Etymology] Old English wel; related to Old High German wala, wola (German wohl), Old Norse val, Gothic waila

well [wεl]

1. 1. n a hole or shaft that is excavated, drilled, bored, or cut into the earth so as to tap a supply of water, oil, gas, etc

2. 2. n a natural pool where ground water comes to the surface

3. 3. n a cavity, space, or vessel used to contain a liquid

4. 4. n (in combination)

   an inkwell

5. 5. n an open shaft through the floors of a building, such as one used for a staircase

6. 6. n a deep enclosed space in a building or between buildings that is open to the sky to permit light and air to enter

7. 7. n a bulkheaded compartment built around a ship's pumps for protection and ease of access

8. 8. n another word for cockpit

9. 9. n a perforated tank in the hold of a fishing boat for keeping caught fish alive

10. 10. n (in England) the open space in the centre of a law court

11. 11. n a source, esp one that provides a continuous supply

    he is a well of knowledge

12. 12. vb to flow or cause to flow upwards or outwards

    tears welled from her eyes

13. 13. vb [Etymology] Old English wella; related to Old High German wella (German Welle wave), Old Norse vella boiling heat