well

The word “well” means in a good, skillful, or satisfactory way. In plain terms, depending on context: skillfully/satisfactorily (adverb), healthy (adjective), a conversational filler word, or a hole dug for water/oil.

“Well” is pronounced WEHL (/ˈwɛl/ in IPA).

Here is “well” used in a sentence: “She plays the piano well.”

Words with a similar meaning to “well” include so, see, look and as if.

Depending on how it is used, “well” can be an adverb, an adjective, an intj and a noun.

The word “well” comes from Old English. From Old English wel, meaning "abundantly, fully, in a desired way" — ultimately from a root meaning "to wish" or "desire," the same root behind the word "will.".

“Well” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Well” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a good, skillful, or satisfactory way.

Good is an adjective that describes a noun, as in 'a good singer.' Well is an adverb that describes how an action is done, as in 'she sings well.' A common error is 'she sings good.' Note that well can also be an adjective meaning healthy, as in 'I feel well.'

Both are accepted. 'I'm well' is the traditional choice, using well as an adjective meaning in good health. 'I'm good' is very common in casual speech and usually means content or fine. In formal writing, 'I'm well' is the safer option when talking about health.

'She played the piece remarkably well.' Here well describes how she played. Other examples include 'The team worked well together' and 'He speaks French well,' where well always tells you that the action was done in a skillful or satisfactory way.