well: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1 (very high frequency)Universal - appropriate in all registers from informal to formal.
Quick answer
What does “well” mean?
In a good, satisfactory, or proper manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In a good, satisfactory, or proper manner; thoroughly or effectively.
Also used to indicate a state of good health, to a considerable extent, or as a discourse marker introducing speech or a topic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Minor differences exist in colloquial phrases (e.g., 'well good' as intensifier is more common in UK youth slang). The interjection 'Well...' as a filler is universal.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'well' as an adjective ('I am well') can sound slightly more formal than 'good' in informal contexts, though it remains standard for health.
Frequency
Extremely high and identical in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “well” in a Sentence
VERB + well (He sings well.)AUX + VERB + well (It might work well.)ADJ/ADV + well (It is well worth the effort. / She performed remarkably well.)BE + well (Are you well?)AS + well + as (She speaks French as well as Italian.)well + PAST PARTICIPLE (a well-known fact)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “well” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- The team played exceptionally well in the cup final.
- She knows the London Underground map very well.
- The plan worked out well in the end.
American English
- He did well on his SATs.
- You can see the Grand Canyon really well from this point.
- Everything turned out well for them.
adjective
British English
- I haven't been well since I returned from holiday.
- All is well, don't worry.
- He's not a well man.
American English
- She wasn't feeling well after the surgery.
- I hope you're well.
- It's important to stay well during flu season.
interjection
British English
- Well, I never expected to see you here!
- Well... what shall we do next?
- Well, that's a surprise.
American English
- Well, if it isn't my old friend!
- Well, let me think about that for a second.
- Well, what do you know.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to discuss performance (The project is going well.), quality (a well-made product), and status (The company is well positioned).
Academic
Frequently used in collocations like 'well documented', 'well established', 'well researched', and 'as well as' for adding information.
Everyday
Ubiquitous. Used for health ('Are you well?'), evaluation ('That went well.'), manner ('Do it well.'), and as a discourse marker ('Well, I think...').
Technical
In engineering/science: 'well' refers to a contained source or reservoir (oil well, test well). In computing: a dialog box component (drop-down well).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “well”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “well”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “well”
- Using 'good' as an adverb: 'He did good on the test.' (Incorrect) -> 'He did well on the test.' (Correct)
- Incorrect placement: 'She well speaks English.' -> 'She speaks English well.'
- Confusing 'well' (adj. = healthy) with 'good' (adj. = virtuous/pleasant): 'I feel good' (emotionally) vs. 'I feel well' (physically healthy).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In informal contexts, 'I'm good' is widely accepted as a response to 'How are you?'. Strictly speaking, 'I'm well' refers specifically to health, while 'I'm good' refers to one's general state or mood. In formal writing, the distinction is often maintained.
'Well' is primarily an adverb (describes an action: 'He runs well') or an adjective meaning 'healthy'. 'Good' is an adjective (describes a noun: 'He is a good runner'). The common mistake is using 'good' as an adverb ('He runs good').
Yes, frequently. It often functions as an interjection or discourse marker to express hesitation, surprise, resignation, or to introduce a new point ('Well, actually, I disagree'). This usage is perfectly grammatical.
'As well' means 'also' or 'in addition'. It usually comes at the end of a clause ('She plays the piano and sings as well'). 'As well as' is a prepositional phrase meaning 'and' or 'in addition to' ('He studies chemistry as well as physics').
In a good, satisfactory, or proper manner.
Well is usually universal - appropriate in all registers from informal to formal. in register.
Well: in British English it is pronounced /wɛl/, and in American English it is pronounced /wɛl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “all well and good”
- “well and truly”
- “just as well”
- “well off”
- “well up (in tears)”
- “well worth”
- “mean well”
- “well-to-do”
- “leave well enough alone”
- “well out of (something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'WELL' as being in good condition all the way to the bottom of a water WELL—it's deep and complete, just like doing something thoroughly.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOOD IS UP / BAD IS DOWN (feeling 'well' is up, feeling 'unwell' is down). THOROUGHNESS IS DEPTH (a 'well' of knowledge).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'well' used as an adjective?