well*/*/*/

[wel] (comparative better [ˈbetə] ; superlative best [best] ) adv I

1) skilfully, or effectively

She speaks Japanese really well.[/ex]

2) in a satisfactory way

The boys were not behaving very well.[/ex]

3) completely, or thoroughly

Shake the can well before opening.[/ex]

I don't know these people very well.[/ex]

4) very, or very much

Rostov was well aware of the scandal he was creating.[/ex]

A trip to the new museum is well worth the effort.[/ex]

5) by a large amount of time, or by a large distance

Pete left the party well before you got there.[/ex]

•

as well (as) — in addition to someone or something else[/ex]

I'd like a cup of coffee, and a glass of water as well.[/ex]

I need to go to the bookshop as well as the bank.→ also[/ex]

be do ing well — to be getting better after an illness[/ex]

cannot/can't very well — used for saying that it would not be wise or sensible to do something[/ex]

We can't very well tell them now.[/ex]

could/may/might well — used for saying that something is likely[/ex]

The two murder cases may well be connected.[/ex]

may/might (just) as well do sth — informal used for saying that it might be a good idea to do something, although it is not essential[/ex]

We might as well wait a little longer for them.[/ex]

well done — used for giving someone praise when they do something well[/ex]

II

interjection

well */*/*/[wel]

1) used for introducing a statement, especially one that you make as a reply

Well, I agree with you about that.[/ex]

‘So you told him what you thought of his idea, then?' ‘Well, not exactly.'[/ex]

2) used for asking a question or for asking for an explanation

Well, what did they say?[/ex]

Well, who's responsible for this mess?[/ex]

3) used after a pause, for continuing with what you were saying

Well, as I was saying...[/ex]

4) used for expressing surprise or anger

Well, they have a nerve![/ex]

5) used for ending a discussion or talk

Well thanks for calling. I'll get back to you again tomorrow.[/ex]

•

oh well — used for accepting a bad situation or disappointment[/ex]

Oh well, I suppose I can borrow the money from someone else.[/ex]

well, well — used for expressing surprise[/ex]

Well, well, I didn't think I'd see you here.[/ex]

III

(comparative better [ˈbetə]; superlative best [best]) adj

well */[wel]

healthy

‘How are you?' ‘ Very well, thank you.'[/ex]

I'm not feeling very well today.[/ex]

You don't look too well.[/ex]

Take care and get well soon![/ex]

•

all is well — used for saying that a situation or arrangement is satisfactory[/ex]

I hope all is well back home.[/ex]

just as well — helpful or convenient in the situation that exists[/ex]

+(that) It's just as well we have neighbours who don't mind noise.[/ex]

leave well alone — to avoid trying to improve or change something that is satisfactory[/ex]

Sometimes it's better to just leave well alone.[/ex]

IV

noun [C]

well [wel]

a deep hole that is dug in the ground where there is a supply of water, oil, or gas

V

verb [I]

well [wel]; ˌwell ˈup

1) if a liquid wells, it comes to the surface and begins to flow

2) if a feeling wells inside you, it becomes very strong