weal
C2 / Very lowLiterary, archaic, medical (specific), formal (in archaic sense of welfare).
Definition
Meaning
A raised, swollen mark on the skin caused by a blow or sting.
Can refer broadly to any mark, stripe, or ridge on a surface, especially one caused by impact. Also, less commonly, can refer to general welfare or prosperity (archaic/formal).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning (skin mark) is rare in everyday speech but found in older or descriptive literature. The secondary meaning (welfare) is now archaic; 'common weal' or 'public weal' may appear in historical or formal legal contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is equally rare in both varieties. The 'welfare' sense may be slightly more recognised in UK due to historical legal phrases like 'common weal'.
Connotations
In the 'skin mark' sense, connotes physical suffering or violence. In the archaic 'welfare' sense, connotes formal, old-fashioned, or poetic discourse.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. More likely encountered in classic literature (e.g., Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy) or historical texts than in modern media.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] cause a weal[object] bear/carry/show a weala weal from [instrument]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “for the common weal (archaic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Possible in literary analysis or historical studies describing punishment or injury.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely. A speaker would use 'welt', 'mark', or 'sting'.
Technical
Can appear in medical or dermatological contexts describing urticaria or physical trauma.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The cane left a vicious weal across his shoulders.
- She bore the weals of her ordeal with stoicism.
- The common weal was the stated aim of the ancient decree.
American English
- A red weal rose on his arm where the bee had stung him.
- The old sailor's back was a map of scars and weals.
- Laws should serve the public weal, not private interests.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- After the whipping, a painful weal appeared on his skin.
- The phrase 'for the common weal' is found in old documents.
- The dermatologist noted the urticarial weals characteristic of the allergic reaction.
- His rhetoric, though fiery, was always oriented toward the national weal.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"Weal" sounds like "wheel" – imagine the raised, circular mark left by pressing a bicycle wheel into soft skin.
Conceptual Metaphor
PAIN/VIOLENCE IS A VISIBLE MARK ON THE BODY.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend with 'благосостояние' (blagosostoyanie) which only matches the archaic 'welfare' sense, not the common 'skin mark' sense.
- Do not confuse with 'well' (колодец).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'weal' in modern contexts where 'welfare' or 'well-being' is intended.
- Confusing spelling with 'wheel' or 'we'll'.
- Assuming it is a high-frequency word.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'weal' LEAST likely to be used correctly today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency word, primarily encountered in literary, historical, or specific medical contexts.
They are often used interchangeably for a raised skin lesion. 'Welt' is the most common in everyday speech. 'Wheal' is a specific medical term for the red, itchy bump in urticaria (hives). 'Weal' is the least common and most literary.
Not directly. Its archaic meaning is 'welfare' or 'well-being' (as in 'the common weal'), which is related to but distinct from 'wealth'. It does not mean money or riches.
For most learners, it is a word to recognise passively (for reading comprehension). Active use is not recommended except in very specific stylistic or academic situations.