WELL, v.i. To spring; to issue forth, as water from the earth. [Little used.]
WELL, v.t. To pour forth.
WELL, a. [G., L., to be strong; strength. The primary sense of the L. is to strain, stretch, whence to advance, to prevail, to gain, according to our vulgar phrase, to get ahead, which coincides with proper, Gr. I do not find well used in other languages in an adjective, but it is so used in English. See Weal.]
1. Being in health; having a sound body, with a regular performance of the natural and proper functions of all the organs; applied to animals; as a well man; the patient has recovered, and is perfectly well.
While you are well, you may do much good.
Is your father well? Gen 43.
2. Fortunate; convenient; advantageous; happy. It is well for us that we are sequestered so far from the rest of the world.
It was well with us in Egypt. Num 11.
3. Being in favor.
He was well with Henry the fourth.
WELL, adv.
1. In a proper manner; justly; rightly; not ill or wickedly. James 2.
If thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. Gen 4.
2. Skillfully; with due art; as, the work is well done; he writes well; he rides well; the plot is well laid, and well executed.
3. Sufficiently; abundantly.
Lot--beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where. Gen 13.
4. Very much; to a degree that gives pleasure. I liked the entertainment well.
5. Favorably; with praise.
All the world speaks well of you.
6. Conveniently; suitable; advantageously. This is all the mind can well contain. I cannot well how to execute this task.
7. To a sufficient degree; perfectly. I know not well how to execute this task.
8. Thoroughly; fully. Let the cloth be well cleansed. Let the steel be well polished.
She looketh well to the ways of her household. Prov 31.
9. Fully; adequately.
We are well able to overcome it. Num 13.
10. Far; as, to be well advanced in life.
As well as, together with; not less than; one as much as the other; as a sickness long as well as severe. London is the largest city in Europe, as well as the principal banking city.
Well enough, in a moderate degree; so as to give satisfaction, or so as to require no alteration.
Well is him, See ms to be elliptical for well is to him.
Well is prefixed to many words, expressing what is right, fit, laudable, or not defective; as well-affected; well-designed; well-directed; well-ordered; well-formed; well-meant; well-minded; well-seasoned; well-tasted.
Well is sometimes used elliptically for it is well, and as an expression of satisfaction with what has been said or done; and sometimes it is merely expletive. Well, the work is done, Well, let us go. Well, well, be it so.
