|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries: |
Research categories | Follow us on Twitter |
Research categories
View all topics in the newsView all reference sources at Encyclopedia.com |
|||
well
well1 / wel/ • adv. (bet·ter , best ) 1. in a good or satisfactory way: the whole team played well. ∎ in a way that is appropriate to the facts or circumstances: you did well to come and tell me | [in comb.] a well-timed exit. ∎ so as to have a fortunate outcome: his campaign did not go well. ∎ in a kind way: the animals will remain loyal to humans if treated well. ∎ with praise or approval: people spoke well of him the film was quite well reviewed at the time. ∎ with equanimity: she took it very well, all things considered. ∎ profitably; advantageously: she would marry well or not at all. ∎ in a condition of prosperity or comfort: they lived well and were generous with their money. ∎ archaic luckily; opportunely: hail fellow, well met. 2. in a thorough manner: add the mustard and lemon juice and mix well. ∎ to a great extent or degree (often used for emphasis): the visit had been planned well in advance | [in comb.] a well-loved mother. ∎ intimately; closely: he knew my father very well. ∎ Brit., inf. very; extremely: he was well out of order. ∎ used as an intensifier: I should bloody well hope so. 3. very probably; in all likelihood: being short of breath may well be the first sign of asthma. ∎ without difficulty: she could well afford to pay for the reception herself. ∎ with good reason: “What are we doing here?” “You may well ask.” • adj. (bet·ter, best) 1. in good health; free or recovered from illness: I don't feel very well it would be some time before Sarah was completely well | inf. he was not a well man. ∎ in a satisfactory state or position: all is not well in post-Soviet Russia. 2. sensible; advisable: it would be well to know just what this suggestion entails. • interj. used to express a range of emotions including surprise, anger, resignation, or relief: Well, really! The manners of some people! ∎ used when pausing to consider one's next words: well, I suppose I could fit you in at 3:45. ∎ used to express agreement or acceptance, often in a qualified or slightly reluctant way: well, all right, but be quick. ∎ used to introduce the resumption of a narrative or a change of subject. ∎ used to mark the end of a conversation or activity: well, cheers, Tom—I must run. ∎ used to indicate that one is waiting for an answer or explanation from someone: Well? You promised to tell me all about it. PHRASES: all's well that ends wellsee all.all very wellsee all.as well 1. in addition; too: the museum provides hours of fun and a few surprises as well a shop that sold books as well as newspapers. 2. (as well or just as well) with equal reason or an equally good result: I may as well have a look. ∎ sensible, appropriate, or desirable: it would be as well to let him go. as well he (or she, etc.) might (or may) used to convey the speaker's opinion that a reaction is appropriate or unsurprising: she sounded rather chipper, as well she might, given her bright prospects.be well out of Brit., inf. be fortunate to be no longer involved in (a situation).be well in with inf. have a good relationship with (someone in a position of influence or authority): you're well in with O'Brien, aren't you?be well up on (or in) know a great deal about (a particular thing).do well for oneself be successful, typically in material or financial terms.leave (or let) well enough alone refrain from interfering with or trying to improve something that is satisfactory or adequate as it is.very well used to express agreement or understanding, sometimes grudging: oh very well then, come in. (all) well and good used to express acceptance of a first statement before introducing a contradictory or confirming second statement: well, that's all well and good, but why didn't he phone her to say so?well and truly completely: Leith was well and truly rattled.well enough to a reasonable degree: he liked Isobel well enough, but wouldn't want to make a close friend of her.well worth certainly worth: Salzburg is well worth a visit. ORIGIN: Old English wel(l), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch wel and German wohl; probably also to the verb will1 . well2 • n. 1. a shaft sunk into the ground to obtain water, oil, or gas. ∎ a plentiful source or supply: she could feel a deep well of sympathy and compassion. ∎ archaic a water spring or fountain. ∎ short for inkwell. ∎ a depression made to hold liquid: put the flour on a flat surface and make a well to hold the eggs. ∎ (Wells) [in place names] chiefly Brit. a place where there are mineral springs: Tunbridge Wells. 2. an enclosed space in the middle of a building, giving room for stairs or an elevator, or to allow light or ventilation. ∎ Brit. the place in a court of law where the clerks and ushers sit. 3. Physics a region of minimum potential: a gravity well. • v. [intr.] (of a liquid) rise to the surface and spill or be about to spill: tears were beginning to well in her eyes. ∎ (of an emotion) arise and become more intense: all the old bitterness began to well up inside her again. |
|
|
Cite this article
"well." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "well." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-well.html "well." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-well.html |
|
Wells
Wells. A minster existed in Wells by the third quarter of the 8th cent., perhaps as early as 705. About 909 this church became the cathedral of the newly created diocese of the Somerset people. After the see was removed to Bath (between 1088 and 1091), the establishment at Wells fell into neglect, but Bp. Robert of Lewes (1136–66) refounded the chapter and endowed the deanery and 22 prebends. The present cathedral was begun c.1180 and the main structure consecrated in 1239. The 13th-cent. west front has 293 medieval figures and reliefs. The most striking interior feature is the inverted arches (14th cent.), by which the piers of the tower are strengthened. See also BATH AND WELLS.
|
|
|
Cite this article
E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Wells." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Wells." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O95-Wells.html E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Wells." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O95-Wells.html |
|
well
well2 all's well that ends well proverbial saying, late 14th century, often used with the implication that difficulties have been successfully negotiated. (A related saying of the mid 13th century runs, ‘Wel is him that wel ende mai.’)
well begun is half done proverbial saying, early 15th century; emphasizing the importance of a successful beginning to the completion of a project. Related comments are found in classical Greek and Latin: Plato in his Laws has the comment, ‘proverbially it is said that the beginning is the half of every task’, and Horace in Epistles comments, ‘he who has made a beginning, has half done.’ |
|
|
Cite this article
ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "well." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "well." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-well1.html ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "well." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-well1.html |
|
well
well, a vertical cylindrical trunk in a ship through which the suction pipes of the bilge pump pass, reaching right down into the lowest part of the hull. Its object is to prevent ballast or other objects from entering and choking the suction boxes of the pumps. In older wooden ships it was the trunk in which the ship's pump worked. It was the carpenter's duty, particularly in warships after battle, to sound the well continually to make sure that the ship was not making water through damage to its hull. As the trunk led to the lowest portion of the hull, water inside the ship would naturally flow there and thus give a maximum reading of the amount inboard.
|
|
|
Cite this article
"well." The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "well." The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O225-well.html "well." The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. 2006. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O225-well.html |
|
Wells
Wells town (1991 pop. 9,252), Somerset, SW England. Primarily a cathedral town, it has changed little since medieval times, although shopping and tourism have become important. The first church was erected by King Ine of Wessex in the early 8th cent. The earliest part of the present cathedral dates from 1176. The towers were built in the 14th cent., much of the woodwork dates from the 15th cent., and there are more than 300 13th-century sculptured figures. The grounds of the bishop's palace include ruins of the original 13th-century structure and the complete 14th-century moat and wall. A theological college is in Wells. |
|
|
Cite this article
"Wells." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Wells." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Wells.html "Wells." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Wells.html |
|
well
well The means of tapping underground water or springs (Gen. 21: 25). Because water was sometimes scarce, wells, artificially dug, were extremely important and often fiercely fought over for possession. They could also be in the form of deep cisterns for storing water or even immuring prisoners (Jer. 38: 6). The top of wells might be covered by a circular stone (Gen. 29: 2; Exod. 21: 33) and the water drawn up by means of a vessel attached to a rope.
|
|
|
Cite this article
W. R. F. BROWNING. "well." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. W. R. F. BROWNING. "well." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O94-well.html W. R. F. BROWNING. "well." A Dictionary of the Bible. 1997. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O94-well.html |
|
well
well3 in a good manner, to a good extent, fully. OE. wel(l) = OS. (Du.) wel, ON. vel; also with adv. suffix (and vowel-variation) OS. wela, wala, wola, OHG. wela, wola (G. wohl), Goth. waila; prob. f. IE. wel- wol- WILL2. As adj. †happy, fortunate XIII; prosperous (now only in well to do, well off) XIV; in sound health XVI; orig. developed from the adv. in impers. uses, e.g. wel is pe. Comp. well-wisher XVI.
|
|
|
Cite this article
T. F. HOAD. "well." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. T. F. HOAD. "well." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-well2.html T. F. HOAD. "well." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-well2.html |
|
well
well1 a well is the emblem of St Juthwara and St Sidwell, sisters, and reputed British virgin martyrs with a cult in the south west of England. Wells, representing springs of natural water, are often associated with holy sites, as that of the shrine of St Winefride in Wales.
well-dressing the decoration of wells with flowers, an ancient custom at Whitsuntide especially in Derbyshire. |
|
|
Cite this article
ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "well." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "well." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-well.html ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "well." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-well.html |
|
well
well1 spring of water, pit dug to obtain a supply of spring water OE.; various transf. senses from XVII. OE. (Angl.) wella, wælla, *well(e), (WS.) *wiella, late will(a), wyll(a), wylle, corr. to OHG. wella (G. welle) wave, ON. vella boiling heat, ebullition, f. Gmc. *wall-; see WELL2.
|
|
|
Cite this article
T. F. HOAD. "well." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. T. F. HOAD. "well." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-well.html T. F. HOAD. "well." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-well.html |
|
Well
Wella source of supply. Examples: well of all courage, 1377; of all crafts, 1377; of gentleness, 1440; of grace, c. 1300; of mercy; of mischief, 1538; of pity, 1530; of tears, 1382; of serious thought; of wisdom, 1225. |
|
|
Cite this article
"Well." Dictionary of Collective Nouns and Group Terms. 1985. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Well." Dictionary of Collective Nouns and Group Terms. 1985. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-2505301722.html "Well." Dictionary of Collective Nouns and Group Terms. 1985. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-2505301722.html |
|
Wells
Wells, ‘the springs’, OE wella in a plural form: Wells Somerset. Willan c.1050, Welle 1086 (DB). Wells-next-the-Sea Norfolk. Guelle [sic] 1086 (DB), Wellis 1291.
|
|
|
Cite this article
A. D. MILLS. "Wells." A Dictionary of British Place-Names. 2003. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. A. D. MILLS. "Wells." A Dictionary of British Place-Names. 2003. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O40-Wells.html A. D. MILLS. "Wells." A Dictionary of British Place-Names. 2003. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O40-Wells.html |
|
well
well2 †boil, melt OE.; rise up to the eyes XIV; (dial.) weld XV. OE. str. vb. weallan = OS. wallan, OHG. wallan (G. wallen boil, swarm):- WGmc. *wallan; cf. prec.
|
|
|
Cite this article
T. F. HOAD. "well." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. T. F. HOAD. "well." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-well1.html T. F. HOAD. "well." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-well1.html |
|
Wells
|
|
|
Cite this article
JOHN EVERETT-HEATH. "Wells." Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. JOHN EVERETT-HEATH. "Wells." Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O209-Wells.html JOHN EVERETT-HEATH. "Wells." Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names. 2005. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O209-Wells.html |
|
Well
Well, ‘(place at) the spring or stream’, OE wella; examples include: Well Lincs. Welle 1086 (DB). Well N. Yorks. Welle 1086 (DB).
|
|
|
Cite this article
A. D. MILLS. "Well." A Dictionary of British Place-Names. 2003. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. A. D. MILLS. "Well." A Dictionary of British Place-Names. 2003. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O40-Well.html A. D. MILLS. "Well." A Dictionary of British Place-Names. 2003. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O40-Well.html |
|
we'll
we'll / wēl/ • contr. of we shall; we will. |
|
|
Cite this article
"we'll." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "we'll." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-well010.html "we'll." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-well010.html |
|
well
well
•Adele, Aix-la-Chapelle, aquarelle, artel, au naturel, bagatelle, béchamel, befell, bell, belle, boatel, Brunel, Cadell, carousel, cartel, cell, Chanel, chanterelle, clientele, Clonmel, compel, Cornell, crime passionnel, dell, demoiselle, dispel, dwell, el, ell, Estelle, excel, expel, farewell, fell, Fidel, fontanelle, foretell, Gabrielle, gazelle, gel, Giselle, hell, hotel, impel, knell, lapel, mademoiselle, maître d'hôtel, Manuel, marcel, matériel, mesdemoiselles, Michel, Michelle, Miguel, misspell, morel, moschatel, Moselle, motel, muscatel, nacelle, Nell, Nobel, Noel, organelle, outsell, Parnell, pell-mell, personnel, propel, quell, quenelle, rappel, Raquel, Ravel, rebel, repel, Rochelle, Sahel, sardelle, sell, shell, show-and-tell, smell, Snell, spell, spinel, swell, tell, undersell, vielle, villanelle, well, yell
•Buñuel • Pachelbel • handbell
•barbell • harebell • decibel • doorbell
•cowbell • bluebell • Annabel
•mirabelle • Christabel • Jezebel
•Isabel, Isobel
•nutshell • infidel • asphodel
•zinfandel • Grenfell • Hillel • parallel
•Cozumel • caramel • Fresnel
•pimpernel • pipistrelle • Tricel
•filoselle
|
|
|
Cite this article
"well." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "well." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-well.html "well." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-well.html |
|
Wells
Wells
•Casals • Charles
•Dardanelles, Seychelles, Wells
•Hales, Swales, Wales
•entrails • telesales • cat-o'-nine-tails
•Hills, Mills, Sills, Wills
•Giles, Miles, Smiles, Stiles
•hols • consols
•balls, Rawls, Walls
•Fowles
•Bowles, Coles, Rolls
•gules, Jules
•collywobbles • Gorbals • Mumbles
•Goebbels • Needles • oodles • Raffles
•Engels • Gleneagles • Eccles • Pickles
•Naples • Brussels • battels • Beatles
•bristols • measles
|
|
|
Cite this article
"Wells." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Wells." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-Wells.html "Wells." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-Wells.html |
|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries:
HighBeam™ Research, Inc. © Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
The Encyclopedia.com advertising network includes:
