Степени сравнения используются в повседневной речи каждого человека в независимости от языка, на котором он говорит. Однако если на русском можно лишь изменить форму прилагательного, в английском языке намного больше нюансов. Например, «well». Сравнительную степень нельзя образовать суффиксами «-er», «-est» или дополнительными словами «more» или «the most». Как тогда это сделать?
Содержание
- Перевод
- Well: наречие или прилагательное
- Степени сравнения well
- Well в сравнительной степени
- Превосходная степень well
Перевод
На первый взгляд слово кажется простым, однако его часто переводят неправильно. Транскрипция слова: [wel] (по-русски [вэл]), а перевод – хорошо. Например: well read (перевод – хорошо читаемый), well made (перевод – хорошо сделанный).
В некоторых контекстах имеет такие значения, как: отлично, прекрасно, успешно, удачно, вполне.
Может быть частицей «ну» (=so): Well, I thought it would be much more interesting. (Ну, я думал, это будет гораздо интереснее).
Переводчик также может обозначать данным словом существительное, если оно стоит в совокупности с предлогом «of», как «кладезь», «источник». Например: Their content is a well of useful historical data. (Их содержание – кладезь полезных исторических данных).
Well: наречие или прилагательное
«Well» – это наречие, но никак не прилагательное. Ошибку делают именно в этой области, переводя его как «хороший». Но для данного прилагательного в английском языке другое слово – «good».
Степени сравнения well
«Well» является положительной степенью сравнения (Positive Degree). Например: He is never suspicious or envious and almost always thinks well of others. (Он никогда не бывает подозрительным или завистливым и почти всегда думает хорошо о других).
Для образования «degrees of comparison in English» есть 2 основных правила:
- либо с помощью суффиксов;
- либо с помощью вспомогательных слов.
Однако нельзя сказать weller/more well или the wellest/the most well. Значит, это исключение. Как происходит составление форм сравнения?
Well в сравнительной степени
Сравнительная степень этого наречия (Comparative Degree) формируется путём полного изменения слова. Слово поменяется на «better», транскрипция – [ˈbetə] ([бéтте]). Переводится как «лучше».
Интересно, что у прилагательного «хорошо» данная степень будет такой же.
Примеры употребления:
- Your life becomes better only when you become better. (Ваша жизнь станет лучше только тогда, когда лучше станете вы сами).
- You won’t find a better car in the neighbourhood. (Вы не найдёте машины лучше в этих окрестностях).
- Our providing customers, quality, price and service are better than in any other company. (Наше обеспечение клиентов, качество, цена и сервис лучше, чем в любой другой компании).
Если требуется сравнить что-то с чем-то, то используется союз «than»:
- My mother knows me better than anyone else. (Моя мать знает меня лучше, чем кто-либо другой).
- Some believe that this year her results at figure skating were better than the last season. (Некоторые считают, что в этом году ее результаты в фигурном катании были лучше, чем в прошлом сезоне).
- Walking alone is still better than staying at home all day. (Гулять в одиночестве все же лучше, чем сидеть дома весь день).
Превосходная степень well
Превосходная степень сравнения (Superlative Degree) также, как и сравнительная, образуется полным изменением слова. «Well» преобразуется в «the best», транскрипция – [ðiː/ðə best] ([зе бест]). Переводится как «лучше всего».
Примеры использования:
- Russian is the language we speak and which we understand the best. (Русский – язык, на котором мы говорим и который понимаем лучше всего).
- 1–2‑room apartments in peripheral areas are best suited for renting. (Для сдачи в аренду лучше всего подойдут 1–2‑комнатные квартиры в периферийных районах).
- People ask when is the best age to go to the first form. (Люди спрашивают, в каком возрасте лучше всего идти в первый класс).
Стоит отметить, что артикль «the» в превосходной степени сравнения ставится всегда.
Little: степени сравнения
Is there a word that means «more well», in the same way that «better» means «more good»? In common parlance most people just use «better» for this purpose, but this sounds wrong and is a nagging irritation for me. «Better» is an adjective while «well» is an adverb, and so they’re strictly incompatible in how they can be used.
I realise there isn’t a commonly used word for this but I’m interested to know if there’s something archaic that and has fallen into disuse.
asked Nov 7, 2010 at 18:17
Will VousdenWill Vousden
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The Oxford English Dictionary says the following. Historically, the comparative of the adverb “well” was “bet” (the link requires subscription) whereas the comparative of the adjective “good” has been “better”. The use of the word “better” as an adverb appeared around the 13th century, and it superseded “bet” by around 1600.
As Kosmonaut writes in a comment on the question, in modern English, the word “better” is used as both an adjective and an adverb. The Merriam-Webster dictionary agrees on this.
answered Nov 7, 2010 at 20:00
Tsuyoshi ItoTsuyoshi Ito
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Well can be modified with an appropriate adverb such as «exceedingly» to indicate a comparison.
answered Nov 7, 2010 at 18:49
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Continue Learning about English Language Arts
What is the comparative and superlative form of well?
Well is an irregular adjective. The comparative form is better,
the superlative form is best.
well better best
What is the comparative form of the word well?
BETTER
What is the comparative form of sad?
Sadder is the comparative form of sad.
What is the comparative form of nature?
«Nature» is a noun and, as such, does not have a comparative
form.
What is the comparative form of in?
The comparative form of in is inner.
well 1
(wĕl)
n.
1. A deep hole or shaft sunk into the earth to obtain water, oil, gas, or brine.
2. A container or reservoir for a liquid, such as ink.
3.
a. A place where water issues from the earth; a spring or fountain.
b. A mineral spring.
c. wells A watering place; a spa.
4. An abundant source: a well of information.
5. An open space extending vertically through the floors of a building, as for stairs or ventilation.
6. Nautical
a. An enclosure in a ship’s hold for the pumps.
b. A compartment or recessed area in a ship, used for stowage: an anchor well.
c. A part of a ship’s weather deck enclosed between two watertight bulkheads.
7. A cistern with a perforated bottom in the hold of a fishing vessel for keeping fish alive.
8. An enclosed space for receiving and holding something, such as the wheels of an airplane when retracted.
9. Chiefly British The central space in a law court, directly in front of the judge’s bench, where the counsel or solicitor sits.
v. welled, well·ing, wells
v.intr.
1. To rise to the surface, ready to flow: Tears welled in my eyes.
2. To rise or surge from an inner source: Anger welled up in me.
well 2
(wĕl)
adv. bet·ter (bĕt′ər), best (bĕst)
1. In a good or proper manner: behaved well.
2. Skillfully or proficiently: dances well.
3. Satisfactorily or sufficiently: slept well.
4. Successfully or effectively: gets along well with people.
5. In a comfortable or affluent manner: lived well.
6. In a manner affording benefit or gain; advantageously: married well.
7. With reason or propriety; reasonably: can’t very well say no.
8. In all likelihood; indeed: You may well need your umbrella.
9. In a prudent or sensible manner: You would do well to say nothing more.
10. In a close or familiar manner: knew them well.
11. In a favorable or approving manner: spoke well of them.
12. Thoroughly; completely: well cooked; cooked well.
13. Perfectly; clearly: I well understand your intentions.
14. To a suitable or appropriate degree: This product will answer your needs equally well.
15. To a considerable extent or degree: well over the estimate.
16. With care or attention: listened well.
17. Entirely; fully: well worth seeing.
adj. better, best
1. In a satisfactory condition; right or proper: All is well.
2.
a. Not ailing, infirm, or diseased; healthy. See Synonyms at healthy.
b. Cured or healed, as a wound.
c. Of or characterized by the maintenance of good health practices. Often used in combination: a well-baby clinic; a well-child visit to the doctor.
3.
a. Advisable; prudent: It would be well not to ask.
b. Fortunate; good: It is well that you stayed.
interj.
1. Used to introduce a remark, resume a narrative, or fill a pause during conversation.
2. Used to express surprise.
Idioms:
as well
1. In addition; also: mentioned other matters as well.
2. With equal effect: I might as well go.
in well with Informal
In a position to influence or be favored by: He’s in well with management.
Usage Note: English speakers have used well both as an adjective and as an adverb since Old English times. When applied to people, the adjective well usually refers to a state of health. Like similar adjectives, such as ill and faint, well in this use is normally restricted to the predicate, as in He hasn’t been well lately. Well does see occasional use before a noun, as in Benjamin Franklin’s «Poor Dick eats like a well man, and drinks like a sick.» It also appears in compound adjectives like well-baby and well-child, which are widely used by health-care providers. Good, on the other hand, has a much wider range of senses, including «attractive,» as in He looks good, and «competent,» as in She’s pretty good for a beginner, as well as «healthy.» See Usage Note at good.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
well
(wɛl)
adv, better or best
1. (often used in combination) in a satisfactory manner: the party went very well.
2. (often used in combination) in a good, skilful, or pleasing manner: she plays the violin well.
3. in a correct or careful manner: listen well to my words.
4. in a comfortable or prosperous manner: to live well.
5. (usually used with auxiliaries) suitably; fittingly: you can’t very well say that.
6. intimately: I knew him well.
7. in a kind or favourable manner: she speaks well of you.
8. to a great or considerable extent; fully: to be well informed.
9. by a considerable margin: let me know well in advance.
10. (preceded by: could, might, or may) indeed: you may well have to do it yourself.
11. informal (intensifier): well safe.
12. all very well used ironically to express discontent, dissent, etc
13. as well
a. in addition; too
b. (preceded by: may or might) with equal effect: you might as well come.
c. just as well preferable or advisable: it would be just as well if you paid me now.
14. just as well preferable or advisable: it would be just as well if you paid me now.
15. as well as in addition to
16. just leave well alone just leave well enough alone to refrain from interfering with something that is satisfactory
17. well and good used to indicate calm acceptance, as of a decision: if you accept my offer, well and good.
18. well up in well acquainted with (a particular subject); knowledgeable about
adj (usually postpositive)
19. (when prenominal, usually used with a negative) in good health: I’m very well, thank you; he’s not a well man.
20. satisfactory, agreeable, or pleasing
21. prudent; advisable: it would be well to make no comment.
22. prosperous or comfortable
23. fortunate or happy: it is well that you agreed to go.
interj
a. an expression of surprise, indignation, or reproof
b. an expression of anticipation in waiting for an answer or remark
sentence connector
an expression used to preface a remark, gain time, etc: well, I don’t think I will come.
[Old English wel; related to Old High German wala, wola (German wohl), Old Norse val, Gothic waila]
well
(wɛl)
n
1. (Civil Engineering) a hole or shaft that is excavated, drilled, bored, or cut into the earth so as to tap a supply of water, oil, gas, etc
2. (Mining & Quarrying) a hole or shaft that is excavated, drilled, bored, or cut into the earth so as to tap a supply of water, oil, gas, etc
3. (Physical Geography) a natural pool where ground water comes to the surface
4.
a. a cavity, space, or vessel used to contain a liquid
b. (in combination): an inkwell.
5. (Building) an open shaft through the floors of a building, such as one used for a staircase
6. (Building) a deep enclosed space in a building or between buildings that is open to the sky to permit light and air to enter
7. (Nautical Terms)
a. a bulkheaded compartment built around a ship’s pumps for protection and ease of access
8. (Fishing) a perforated tank in the hold of a fishing boat for keeping caught fish alive
9. (Law) (in England) the open space in the centre of a law court
10. a source, esp one that provides a continuous supply: he is a well of knowledge.
vb
to flow or cause to flow upwards or outwards: tears welled from her eyes.
[Old English wella; related to Old High German wella (German Welle wave), Old Norse vella boiling heat]
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
well1
(wɛl)
adv., adj. compar. bet•ter, superl. best, adv.
1. in a good or satisfactory manner: Our plans are going well.
2. thoroughly, carefully, or soundly: Shake well before using.
3. in a moral or proper manner: to behave well.
4. commendably, meritoriously, or excellently: a difficult task well handled.
5. with propriety, justice, or reason: I could not well refuse.
6. with favor or approval: to think well of someone.
7. comfortably or prosperously: to live well.
8. to a considerable extent or degree: a sum well over the amount agreed upon.
9. with great or intimate knowledge: to know a person well.
10. certainly; without doubt: I cry easily, as you well know.
11. with good nature; without rancor: He took the joke well.
adj.
12. in good health; sound in body and mind: He is not a well man.
13. satisfactory, pleasing, or good: All is well with us.
14. proper, fitting, or gratifying: It is well that you didn’t go.
15. in a satisfactory position; well-off: I am very well as I am.
interj.
16. (used to express surprise, reproof, etc.): Well! There’s no need to shout.
17. (used to introduce a sentence, resume a conversation, etc.): Well, it’s time to go home.
n.
18. well-being; good fortune; success: to wish well to someone.
Idioms:
1. as well, in addition; also; too.
2. as well as, as much or as truly as; equally as: witty as well as kind.
3. leave well enough alone, to avoid changing something that is satisfactory.
[before 900; Middle English, Old English wel(l) (adj. and adv.), c. Old Frisian, Old Saxon wel, Old Norse vel]
well′ness, n.
well2
(wɛl)
n.
1. a hole drilled or bored into the earth to obtain water, petroleum, natural gas, brine, or sulfur.
2. a spring or natural source of water.
3. an apparent reservoir or a source of human feelings, emotions, energy, etc.: a well of compassion.
4. a container, receptacle, or reservoir for a liquid, as ink.
5. any sunken or deep enclosed space, as a shaft for air or light, stairs, or an elevator, extending vertically through the floors of a building.
6. a hollow compartment, recessed area, or depression for holding a specific item or items, as fish in the bottom of a boat or the retracted wheels of an airplane in flight.
7. Naut. a part of a weather deck between two superstructures, extending from one side of a vessel to the other.
v.i.
8. to rise, spring, or gush, as water, from the earth or some other source (often fol. by up, out, or forth): Tears welled up in my eyes.
v.t.
9. to send welling up or forth.
adj.
10. like, of, resembling, from, or used in connection with a well.
[before 900; (n.) Middle English well(e), Old English wylle, wella, c. Old High German welle wave; (v.) Middle English; Old English weallan to boil, melt, c. Old Saxon, Old High German wallan]
we’ll
(wil; unstressed wɪl)
contraction of we shall or we will.
Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
Well
a 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.
Dictionary of Collective Nouns and Group Terms. Copyright 2008 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
good
– well
1. ‘good’
Something that is good is pleasant, acceptable, or satisfactory. The comparative form of good is better. The superlative form is best.
Your French is better than mine.
This is the best cake I’ve ever eaten.
2. ‘well’
Good is never an adverb. If you want to say that something is done to a high standard or to a great extent, you use well, not ‘good’.
She speaks English well.
I don’t know him very well.
See well
The comparative form of well is better. The superlative form is best.
I changed seats so I could see better.
Use the method that works best for you.
well
1. used before a statement
In conversation, people sometimes say well when they are about to make a statement. Well can show that someone is hesitating or uncertain, but sometimes it has no meaning at all.
‘Is that right?’ – ‘Well, I think so.’
In conversation, people also use well when they are correcting something they have just said.
We walked along in silence; well, not really silence, because she was humming.
It took me years, well months at least, to realise that he’d lied to me.
2. used as an adverb
Well is very commonly an adverb.
You use well to say that something is done to a high standard or to a great extent.
He handled it well.
The strategy has worked very well in the past.
You use well to emphasize some -ed participles when they are part of a passive construction.
You seem to be well liked at work.
When well is used with an -ed participle like this to make a compound adjective that comes before a noun, the compound usually has a hyphen.
She was seen having dinner with a well-known actor.
This is a very well-established custom.
When the compound adjective comes after a verb, don’t use a hyphen.
The author is well known in his native country of Scotland.
Their routine of a morning walk was well established.
You also use well in front of some prepositions such as ahead of and behind.
The candidate is well ahead of his rivals in the opinion polls.
The border now lay well behind them.
When well is an adverb, its comparative and superlative forms are better and best.
People are better housed than ever before.
What works best is a balanced, sensible diet.
3. used as an adjective
Well is also an adjective. If you are well, you are healthy and not ill.
She looked well.
‘How are you?’ – ‘I’m very well, thank you.’
Most British speakers do not use well in front of a noun. They don’t say, for example, ‘He’s a well man‘. They say ‘He’s well‘. However, American and Scottish speakers sometimes use well in front of a noun.
When well is an adjective, it does not have a comparative form. However, you can use better to say that the health of a sick person has improved. When better is used like this, it means ‘less ill’.
He seems better today.
Better is more commonly used to say that someone has completely recovered from an illness or injury.
I hope you’ll be better soon.
Her cold was better.
4. ‘as well’
You use as well when you are giving more information about something.
Fresh fruit is healthier than tinned fruit. And it tastes nicer as well.
The woman laughed, and Jayah giggled as well.
Collins COBUILD English Usage © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 2004, 2011, 2012
well
Past participle: welled
Gerund: welling
| Imperative |
|---|
| well |
| well |
| Present |
|---|
| I well |
| you well |
| he/she/it wells |
| we well |
| you well |
| they well |
| Preterite |
|---|
| I welled |
| you welled |
| he/she/it welled |
| we welled |
| you welled |
| they welled |
| Present Continuous |
|---|
| I am welling |
| you are welling |
| he/she/it is welling |
| we are welling |
| you are welling |
| they are welling |
| Present Perfect |
|---|
| I have welled |
| you have welled |
| he/she/it has welled |
| we have welled |
| you have welled |
| they have welled |
| Past Continuous |
|---|
| I was welling |
| you were welling |
| he/she/it was welling |
| we were welling |
| you were welling |
| they were welling |
| Past Perfect |
|---|
| I had welled |
| you had welled |
| he/she/it had welled |
| we had welled |
| you had welled |
| they had welled |
| Future |
|---|
| I will well |
| you will well |
| he/she/it will well |
| we will well |
| you will well |
| they will well |
| Future Perfect |
|---|
| I will have welled |
| you will have welled |
| he/she/it will have welled |
| we will have welled |
| you will have welled |
| they will have welled |
| Future Continuous |
|---|
| I will be welling |
| you will be welling |
| he/she/it will be welling |
| we will be welling |
| you will be welling |
| they will be welling |
| Present Perfect Continuous |
|---|
| I have been welling |
| you have been welling |
| he/she/it has been welling |
| we have been welling |
| you have been welling |
| they have been welling |
| Future Perfect Continuous |
|---|
| I will have been welling |
| you will have been welling |
| he/she/it will have been welling |
| we will have been welling |
| you will have been welling |
| they will have been welling |
| Past Perfect Continuous |
|---|
| I had been welling |
| you had been welling |
| he/she/it had been welling |
| we had been welling |
| you had been welling |
| they had been welling |
| Conditional |
|---|
| I would well |
| you would well |
| he/she/it would well |
| we would well |
| you would well |
| they would well |
| Past Conditional |
|---|
| I would have welled |
| you would have welled |
| he/she/it would have welled |
| we would have welled |
| you would have welled |
| they would have welled |
Collins English Verb Tables © HarperCollins Publishers 2011
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
| Noun | 1. |  well — a deep hole or shaft dug or drilled to obtain water or oil or gas or brine
artesian well — a well drilled through impermeable strata into strata that receive water from a higher altitude so there is pressure to force the water to flow upward driven well, tube well — a well made by driving a tube into the earth to a stratum that bears water excavation — a hole in the ground made by excavating gas well — a well that yields or has yielded natural gas oil well, oiler — a well that yields or has yielded oil sump — a well or other hole in which water has collected |
| 2. |  well — a cavity or vessel used to contain liquid
inkstand, inkwell — a small well holding writing ink into which a pen can be dipped vessel — an object used as a container (especially for liquids) |
|
| 3. | well — an abundant source; «she was a well of information»
fountainhead, wellspring source — a document (or organization) from which information is obtained; «the reporter had two sources for the story» |
|
| 4. | well — an open shaft through the floors of a building (as for a stairway)
shaft — a vertical passageway through a building (as for an elevator) stairwell — a vertical well around which there is a stairway |
|
| 5. | well — an enclosed compartment in a ship or plane for holding something as e.g. fish or a plane’s landing gear or for protecting something as e.g. a ship’s pumps
bilge well — (nautical) a well where seepage drains to be pumped away compartment — a partitioned section, chamber, or separate room within a larger enclosed area pump well — an enclosure in the middle of a ship’s hold that protects the ship’s pumps |
|
| Verb | 1. |  well — come up, as of a liquid; «Tears well in her eyes»; «the currents well up»
swell rise up, surface, come up, rise — come to the surface |
| Adj. | 1. | well — in good health especially after having suffered illness or injury; «appears to be entirely well»; «the wound is nearly well»; «a well man»; «I think I’m well; at least I feel well»
fit — physically and mentally sound or healthy; «felt relaxed and fit after their holiday»; «keeps fit with diet and exercise» healthy — having or indicating good health in body or mind; free from infirmity or disease; «a rosy healthy baby»; «staying fit and healthy» ill, sick — affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function; «ill from the monotony of his suffering» |
| 2. | well — resulting favorably; «it’s a good thing that I wasn’t there»; «it is good that you stayed»; «it is well that no one saw you»; «all’s well that ends well»
good fortunate — having unexpected good fortune; «other, less fortunate, children died»; «a fortunate choice» |
|
| 3. | well — wise or advantageous and hence advisable; «it would be well to start early»
advisable — worthy of being recommended or suggested; prudent or wise; «such action is neither necessary nor advisable»; «extreme caution is advisable»; «it is advisable to telephone first» |
|
| Adv. | 1. | well — (often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (`good’ is a nonstandard dialectal variant for `well’); «the children behaved well»; «a task well done»; «the party went well»; «he slept well»; «a well-argued thesis»; «a well-seasoned dish»; «a well-planned party»; «the baby can walk pretty good»
good combining form — a bound form used only in compounds; «`hemato-‘ is a combining form in words like `hematology'» ill, poorly, badly — (`ill’ is often used as a combining form) in a poor or improper or unsatisfactory manner; not well; «he was ill prepared»; «it ill befits a man to betray old friends»; «the car runs badly»; «he performed badly on the exam»; «the team played poorly»; «ill-fitting clothes»; «an ill-conceived plan» |
| 2. | well — thoroughly or completely; fully; often used as a combining form; «The problem is well understood»; «she was well informed»; «shake well before using»; «in order to avoid food poisoning be sure the meat is well cooked»; «well-done beef», «well-satisfied customers»; «well-educated» | |
| 3. | well — indicating high probability; in all likelihood; «I might well do it»; «a mistake that could easily have ended in disaster»; «you may well need your umbrella»; «he could equally well be trying to deceive us»
easily |
|
| 4. | well — (used for emphasis or as an intensifier) entirely or fully; «a book well worth reading»; «was well aware of the difficulties ahead»; «suspected only too well what might be going on»
intensifier, intensive — a modifier that has little meaning except to intensify the meaning it modifies; «`up’ in `finished up’ is an intensifier»; «`honestly’ in `I honestly don’t know’ is an intensifier» |
|
| 5. | well — to a suitable or appropriate extent or degree; «the project was well underway»; «the fetus has well developed organs»; «his father was well pleased with his grades» | |
| 6. | well — favorably; with approval; «their neighbors spoke well of them»; «he thought well of the book»
ill, badly — unfavorably or with disapproval; «tried not to speak ill of the dead»; «thought badly of him for his lack of concern» |
|
| 7. | well — to a great extent or degree; «I’m afraid the film was well over budget»; «painting the room white made it seem considerably (or substantially) larger»; «the house has fallen considerably in value»; «the price went up substantially»
considerably, substantially |
|
| 8. | well — with great or especially intimate knowledge; «we knew them well»
intimately |
|
| 9. | well — with prudence or propriety; «You would do well to say nothing more»; «could not well refuse» | |
| 10. | well — with skill or in a pleasing manner; «she dances well»; «he writes well»
badly — without skill or in a displeasing manner; «she writes badly»; «I think he paints very badly» |
|
| 11. |  well — in a manner affording benefit or advantage; «she married well»; «The children were settled advantageously in Seattle»
advantageously disadvantageously, badly — in a disadvantageous way; to someone’s disadvantage; «the venture turned out badly for the investors»; «angry that the case was settled disadvantageously for them» |
|
| 12. |  well — in financial comfort; «They live well»; «she has been able to live comfortably since her husband died»
comfortably |
|
| 13. | well — without unusual distress or resentment; with good humor; «took the joke well»; «took the tragic news well»
badly — with unusual distress or resentment or regret or emotional display; «they took their defeat badly»; «took her father’s death badly»; «conducted himself very badly at the time of the earthquake» |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
well
1
adverb
1. skilfully, expertly, adeptly, with skill, professionally, correctly, properly, effectively, efficiently, adequately, admirably, ably, conscientiously, proficiently All the team members played well.
skilfully badly, incompetently, incorrectly, ineptly, sloppily, inexpertly, ham-fistedly, unskilfully
2. satisfactorily, nicely, smoothly, successfully, capitally, pleasantly, happily, famously (informal), splendidly, agreeably, like nobody’s business (informal), in a satisfactory manner I thought the interview went very well.
satisfactorily badly, wrongly, poorly, inadequately
5. carefully, closely, minutely, fully, comprehensively, accurately, in detail, in depth, extensively, meticulously, painstakingly, rigorously, scrupulously, assiduously, intensively, from top to bottom, methodically, attentively, conscientiously, exhaustively This is obviously a man who’s studied his subject well.
6. favourably, highly, kindly, warmly, enthusiastically, graciously, approvingly, admiringly, with admiration, appreciatively, with praise, glowingly, with approbation He speaks very well of you.
favourably unfavourably, coldly, unkindly, disapprovingly, unsympathetically, gracelessly
8. fully, highly, greatly, completely, amply, very much, thoroughly, considerably, sufficiently, substantially, heartily, abundantly I am well aware of how much she has suffered.
10. decently, right, kindly, fittingly, fairly, easily, correctly, properly, readily, politely, suitably, generously, justly, in all fairness, genially, civilly, hospitably My parents always treated me well.
decently unfairly, unjustly, unsuitably
12. harmoniously, nicely, pleasantly, happily, politely, famously (informal), amicably, amiably, agreeably, peaceably, genially, like a house on fire (informal) Her friends all get on well together.
adjective
1. healthy, strong, sound, fit, blooming, robust, hale, hearty, in good health, alive and kicking, fighting fit (informal), in fine fettle, up to par, fit as a fiddle, able-bodied, in good condition I hope you’re well.
healthy poorly, ill, sick, weak, run-down, ailing, frail, feeble, sickly, unwell, below par, infirm, under-the-weather, at death’s door, green about the gills, crook (Austral. & N.Z. informal)
2. satisfactory, good, right, fine, happy, fitting, pleasing, bright, useful, lucky, proper, thriving, flourishing, profitable, fortunate He was satisfied that all was well.
satisfactory wrong, unsuccessful, unsatisfactory, going badly
well
2
verb
1. flow, trickle, seep, run, issue, spring, pour, jet, burst, stream, surge, discharge, trickle, gush, ooze, seep, exude, spurt, spout Blood welled from a gash in his thigh.
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
well 1
noun
A point of origination:
beginning, derivation, fount, fountain, fountainhead, mother, origin, parent, provenance, provenience, root, rootstock, source, spring.
verb
To come forth or emit in abundance:
well 2
adverb
1. To the fullest extent:
absolutely, all, altogether, completely, dead, entirely, flat, fully, just, perfectly, quite, thoroughly, totally, utterly, wholly.
2. To a considerable extent:
adjective
2. Worth doing, especially for practical reasons:
The American Heritage® Roget’s Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations
изворкладенец
dobřezdravýmathnoprýštit
brøndgodtraskskaktvælde
beleputo
kaev
hyvinkaivokummutakunnollalähde
izvorstudenacvrelovrutakzdenac
kút
sumur
borholaborhola; brunnurbrunnurflæîa, renna, streymafrískur, hraustur
おやおやにじみ出る井戸申し分ない申し分なく
건강한우물잘
puteus
puiku!
akaasaras saskrēja acīsatzinīgiIr nu gan!izšļākties
bine
dobrenostudňav dobrovytrysknúť
dobrozdravtorejvreleczdrava
brabrunnvälvällaeh
ดี สุขสบายบ่อ เช่น บ่อแร่ บ่อน้ำมัน บ่อน้ำอย่างชำนาญ
kuyuiyiiyi biçimdeiyicelehinde
колодязь
giếngkhỏe mạnhtốt
well
1 [wel]
B. VI (also well out, well up) → brotar, manar
well
2 [wel] (better (compar) (best (superl)))
B. ADJ
2. (= acceptable, satisfactory) → bien
that’s all very well, but → todo eso está muy bien, pero …
it or we would be well to start early → mejor si salimos temprano
it would be as well to ask → más vale or valdría preguntar
it’s as well not to offend her → más te vale no ofenderla
it would be just as well for you to stay → mejor si te quedas
it’s well for you that nobody saw you → menos mal que nadie te vio
it’s just as well we asked → menos mal que preguntamos
all’s well that ends well → bien está lo que bien acaba
C. EXCL
2. (expressing resignation) well, if we must go, let’s get going → bueno, si nos tenemos que ir, vayámonos
well then? → ¿y qué?
3. (concessive, dismissive) → pues
well, if you’re worried, why don’t you call her? → pues si estás tan preocupada ¿por qué no la llamas?
well, I think she’s a fool → pues yo pienso que es tonta
4. (expressing relief) well, thank goodness for that! → (pues) ¡gracias a Dios!
5. (expressing surprise) → ¡vaya!
well, what do you know! → ¡anda, quién lo diría!
well, who would have thought it! → ¡anda, quién lo diría!
well, well! → ¡vaya, vaya!
Collins Spanish Dictionary — Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
well
[ˈwɛl]
adv
(= successfully, to a high standard) → bien
You did that really well → Tu as très bien fait ça.
to do well → bien s’en sortir
She’s doing really well at school → Elle s’en sort vraiment bien à l’école.
He did as well as he could
BUT Il a fait du mieux qu’il pouvait.
to pay well [job] → bien payer
well done! → bravo!
(= thoroughly, completely) → bien
Mix all the ingredients well → Mélangez bien tous les ingrédients.
Wash your hands well with soap → Lavez-vous bien les mains, avec du savon.
How well do you remember your mother, Franzi? → Tu te souviens bien de ta mère, Franzi?
to know sb well → bien connaître qn
How well do you know him? → Vous le connaissez bien?
well done [meat]
BUT bien cuit.(e)
Do you prefer your steak rare, medium or well done? → Vous préférez votre steak saignant, à point ou bien cuit?
(= highly) to think well of sb → penser beaucoup de bien de qn
to speak well of sb → dire du bien de qn
as well (= in addition) → aussi, également
We worked hard, but we had some fun as well → Nous avons travaillé dur, mais nous nous sommes bien amusés aussi.
as well as → ainsi que
We went to Chartres as well as Paris → Nous sommes allés à Paris ainsi qu’à Chartres.
It has symbolic as well as economic significance
BUT Cela a une signification à la fois symbolique et économique.
(as intensifier) to be well worth doing → valoir vraiment la peine d’être fait
The film is well worth seeing → Le film vaut vraiment la peine d’être vu.
well before sth → bien avant qch
well after sth → bien après qch
to be well aware of sth → être bien conscient(e) de qch
sb might as well do sth, sb may as well do sth → qn ferait aussi bien de faire qch
You might as well tell me → Tu ferais aussi bien de me le dire.
sb would do well to do sth → qn ferait bien de faire qch
sb may well do sth, sb could well do sth (= it’s quite likely) → qn pourrait bien faire qch
You may well be right → Vous pourriez bien avoir raison.
it’s just as well → c’est aussi bien
It was just as well she wasn’t there → C’était aussi bien qu’elle ne soit pas là.
well and good, all well and good
This is all well and good, but → Tout cela est bien beau mais …
If they arrive before I leave, well and good → S’ils arrivent avant que je parte, très bien.
excl
(introducing comment, new subject) → bon
Well, as I was saying → Bon, comme je le disais …
(correcting yourself) → enfin
It’s enormous! Well, quite big anyway → C’est énorme! Enfin, c’est assez grand.
(expressing polite doubt, criticism) → eh bien
(expressing surprise, anger) → eh bien
oh well (expressing resignation) → bon
vi
[emotion] → envahir
Gratitude welled in her → La gratitude l’envahissait.
well up
vi
[tears] → monter (aux yeux)
[emotion]
Happiness welled up inside me → Le bonheur m’envahit.
Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005
well
in cpds → gut;
well-adjusted
adj attr, well adjusted
well-advised
adj attr, well advised
adj pred plan, move → klug; to be well advised to … → wohl or gut beraten sein zu …, gut daran tun, zu …
well-aimed
adj attr, well aimed
adj pred shot, blow, sarcasm → gut gezielt, wohlgezielt
well-appointed
adj attr, well appointed
well-argued
adj attr, well argued
well-assorted
adj attr, well assorted
well-attended
adj attr, well attended
well-baby clinic
n → Neugeborenenklinik f
well-balanced
adj attr, well balanced
well-behaved
adj attr, well behaved
well-born
adj attr, well born
well-bred
adj attr, well bred
well-built
adj attr, well built
well-chosen
adj attr, well chosen
well-connected
adj attr, well connected
well-cooked
adj attr, well cooked
well-defined
adj attr, well defined
well-deserved
adj attr, well deserved
well-developed
adj attr, well developed
well-disposed
adj attr, well disposed
well-done
adj attr, well done
well-dressed
adj attr, well dressed
well-earned
adj attr, well earned
well-educated
adj attr, well educated
well-endowed
adj attr, well endowed
well-equipped
adj attr, well equipped
well-established
adj attr, well established
adj pred practice, custom → fest; pattern also → klar; tradition → alt; family → alteingesessen; reputation → gut; company, player, writer, artist → bekannt; it’s a well fact that … → es ist eine bekannte Tatsache, dass …
well-favoured
adj attr, well favoured
adj pred (old) girl, family → ansehnlich (old)
well-fed
adj attr, well fed
well-founded
adj attr, well founded
adj pred → wohlbegründet; the warnings proved (to be) well founded → die Warnungen erwiesen sich als begründet
well-groomed
adj attr, well groomed
well-grown
adj attr, well grown
adj pred animal, child → groß (gewachsen)
well
:
well-heeled
adj attr, well heeled
adj pred (Brit inf) → betucht (inf)
well-hung
adj attr, well hung
well-informed
adj attr, well informed
well
:
well-intentioned
adj attr, well intentioned
well-kept
adj attr, well kept
well-knit
adj attr, well knit
well-known
adj attr, well known
well-loved
adj attr, well loved
well-made
adj attr, well made
well-man clinic
n → Männerklinik f
well-mannered
adj attr, well mannered
well-matched
adj attr, well matched
well-meant
adj attr, well meant
well-nigh
adv (form) → nahezu, beinahe, nachgerade (geh); this is well impossible → das ist nahezu or beinahe unmöglich
well-off
adj attr, well off
adj pred (= affluent) → reich, begütert, gut d(a)ran (inf); to be well off (= fortunate) → gut daran sein; you don’t know when you’re well off (inf) → du weißt (ja) nicht, wenn es dir gut geht
well-oiled
adj attr, well oiled
adj pred (inf: = drunk) → beduselt (inf)
well-padded
adj attr, well padded
well-paid
adj attr, well paid
well-preserved
adj attr, well preserved
adj pred → gut erhalten; person also → wohlerhalten
well-read
adj attr, well read
well-respected
adj attr, well respected
well-spent
adj attr, well spent
well-spoken
adj attr, well spoken
well-stacked
adj attr, well stacked
adj pred (inf) woman to be well stacked → Holz vor der Hütte haben (inf)
well-stocked
adj attr, well stocked
well-timed
adj attr, well timed
well-tried
adj attr, well tried
adj pred method etc → erprobt
well-trodden
adj attr, well trodden
well-worn
adj attr, well worn
well
1
n
(of theatre) → Parkett nt; (of auditorium) ebenerdiger Teil des Zuschauer-/Konferenz-/Versammlungsraums (Brit: of court) Teil des Gerichtssaals, in dem die Rechtsanwälte und Protokollschreiber sitzen
well
2 comp <better>, superl <best>
adv
(= thoroughly, considerably, to a great degree) → gut, gründlich; shake the bottle well (on medicine) → Flasche kräftig or gut schütteln; he loved her too well to leave her (liter) → er liebte sie zu sehr, als dass er sie verlassen hätte; we were well beaten → wir sind gründlich geschlagen worden; he could well afford it → er konnte es sich (dat) → sehr wohl leisten; I’m well content with my lot → ich bin wohl zufrieden mit meinem Schicksal; all or only too well → nur (all)zu gut; well and truly → (ganz) gründlich; married, settled in → ganz richtig; (iro also) → fest; westernized, conditioned → durch und durch; he was well away (inf) → er war in Fahrt or Schwung (inf); (= drunk) → er hatte einen sitzen (inf); he sat well forward in his seat → er saß weit vorne auf seinem Sitz; it was well worth the trouble → das hat sich wohl or sehr gelohnt; well out of sight → weit außer Sichtweite; well within … → durchaus in … (dat); well past midnight → lange nach Mitternacht; it continued well into 1996/the night → es zog sich bis weit ins Jahr 1996/in die Nacht hin; he’s well over fifty → er ist weit über fünfzig
(= in addition) as well → auch; if he comes as well → wenn er auch kommt; x as well as y → x sowohl als auch y, x und auch y; she sings as well as dances → sie singt und tanzt auch noch
adj
(= satisfactory, desirable, advantageous) → gut; all is not well with him/in the world → mit ihm/mit or in der Welt steht es nicht zum Besten; that’s all very well, but … → das ist ja alles schön und gut, aber …; if that’s the case, (all) well and good → wenn das der Fall ist, dann soll es mir recht sein; it’s all very well for you to suggest … → Sie können leicht vorschlagen …; it’s all very well for you, you don’t have to … → Sie haben gut reden or Sie können leicht reden, Sie müssen ja nicht …; it was well for him that no-one found out → es war sein Glück, dass es niemand entdeckt hat; it would be as well to ask first → es wäre wohl besser or gescheiter (inf), → sich erst mal zu erkundigen; it’s just as well he came → es ist (nur or schon) gut, dass er gekommen ist; you’re well out of that → seien Sie froh, dass Sie damit nichts mehr zu tun haben; all’s well that ends well → Ende gut, alles gut
interj → also; (expectantly also) → na; (doubtfully) → na ja; well, well!, well I never (did)! → also, so was!, na so was!; well now → also; well, it was like this → also, es war so or folgendermaßen; well there you are, that proves it! → na bitte or also bitte, das beweist es doch; well, as I was saying → also, wie (bereits) gesagt; well then? → also (gut); (in question) → na?, nun?, also?; very well then! → na gut, also gut!; (indignantly) → also bitte (sehr)!; oh well, never mind → macht nichts; well, that’s a relief! → na (also), das ist ja eine Erleichterung!
n → Gute(s) nt; to wish somebody well (in general) → jdm alles Gute wünschen; (in an attempt, also iro) → jdm Glück wünschen (in bei); I wish him well, but … → ich wünsche ihm nichts Böses, aber …
Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007
well
1 [wɛl]
2. vi (tears, emotions) → sgorgare
well up vi + adv (tears, emotions) → sgorgare
well
2 [wɛl] (better (comp) (best (superl)))
1. adv
b. (probably, reasonably) we might just as well have … → tanto valeva…
she cried, as well she might → piangeva a buon diritto
one might well ask why … → ci si potrebbe ben chiedere perché…
you may well ask! → buona domanda!
you might as well tell me → potresti anche dirmelo
I might or may as well come → quasi quasi vengo
I couldn’t very well leave → non potevo andarmene così
c. as well (in addition) → anche
she sings, as well as playing the piano → oltre a suonare il piano, canta
X as well as Y → sia X che Y
2. adj
b. (acceptable, satisfactory) → buono/a
all is not well → non va tutto bene
that’s all very well, but … → va benissimo, ma…, d’accordo, ma…
well and good → bene
it would be as well to ask → sarebbe bene chiedere
it’s just as well we asked → abbiamo fatto bene a chiedere
3. excl (gen) → bene; (resignation, hesitation) → beh
well, as I was saying … → dunque, come stavo dicendo…
well, well, well! → ma guarda un po’!
very well then → va bene, molto bene
very well, if that’s the way you want it (unenthusiastic) → va bene, se questo è quello che vuoi
well I never! → ma no!, ma non mi dire!
well there you are then! → ecco, hai visto!
Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995
well1
(wel) noun
1. a lined shaft made in the earth from which to obtain water, oil, natural gas etc.
2. the space round which a staircase winds. He fell down the stair-well.
verb
(of water from the earth or of tears) to flow freely. Tears welled up in her eyes.
well2
(wel) – comparative better (ˈbetə) : superlative best (best) – adjective
1. healthy. I don’t feel very / at all well; She doesn’t look very well; She’s been ill but she’s quite well now.
2. in a satisfactory state or condition. All is well now.
adverb
1. in a good, correct, successful, suitable etc way. He’s done well to become a millionaire at thirty; She plays the piano well; Mother and baby are both doing well; How well did he do in the exam?
2. with good reason; with justice. You may well look ashamed – that was a cruel thing to do; You can’t very well refuse to go.
3. with approval or praise. He speaks well of you.
4. used (with eg damn, ~jolly etc) for emphasis. You can jolly well do it yourself!
5. thoroughly. Examine the car well before you buy it.
6. to a great or considerable extent. He is well over fifty.
interjection
1. used to express surprise etc. Well! I’d never have believed it!
2. used when re-starting a conversation, starting an explanation etc. Do you remember John Watson? Well, he’s become a teacher.
well-
1. in a good, satisfactory etc way etc, as in well-behaved.
2. very much, as in well-known.
ˌwell-beˈhaved adjective
behaving correctly. well-behaved children.
ˌwell-ˈbeing noun
welfare. She is always very concerned about her mother’s well-being.
ˌwell-ˈbred adjective
(of a person) having good manners.
ˌwell-ˈbuilt adjective
muscular; having a strong, handsome figure.
ˌwell-ˈdone adjective
(of meat) cooked until there is no blood in it; (of food) cooked for a long time.
ˌwell-ˈearned adjective
thoroughly deserved. a well-earned rest.
ˌwell-ˈeducated adjective
educated to a good standard.
ˌwell-ˈfed adjective
correctly and sufficiently fed.
ˌwell-ˈgroomed adjective
of smart, tidy appearance.
ˌwell-inˈformed adjective
having or showing a thorough knowledge. a well-informed person/essay.
ˌwell-ˈknown adjective
familiar or famous. a well-known TV personality.
ˌwell-ˈmade adjective
a well-made table.
ˌwell-ˈmannered adjective
polite.
ˌwell-ˈoff adjective
1. rich. He is very well-off; a well-off young lady.
2. fortunate. You do not know when you are well off.
ˌwell-ˈread (-ˈred) adjective
having read many books etc; intelligent.
ˌwell-ˈspoken adjective
(of a person) speaking with a pleasing voice, in a grammatically correct way etc.
ˌwell-to-ˈdo adjective
having enough money to live comfortably.
ˌwell-wisher noun
a person who wishes one success etc.
as well
in addition; too. If you will go, I’ll go as well.
as well as
in addition to. She works in a restaurant in the evenings as well as doing a full-time job during the day.
be just as well
to be fortunate; to be no cause for regret. It’s just as well (that) you didn’t go – the meeting was cancelled.
be as well to
to be advisable or sensible. It would be as well to go by train – the roads are flooded.
very well
fine, okay. Have you finished? Very well, you may go now.
well done!
used in congratulating a person. I hear you won the competition. Well done!
well enough
fairly, but not particularly, well.
well up in
knowing a great deal about. He’s very well up in financial matters.
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
well
→ بِئْر, بِالإضَافَةِ إِلَى, عَلَى ما يُرَام dobře, studna, zdravý brønd, godt, rask Brunnen, gut καλώς, πηγάδι, υγιής bien, pozo, sano hyvin, kaivo, terve bien, puits dobro, izvor, zdrav bene, pozzo 井戸, 申し分ない, 申し分なく 건강한, 우물, 잘 goed, op de juiste manier, put brønn, godt, vel dobry, dobrze, studnia bem, poço колодец, хороший, хорошо bra, brunn, väl ดี สุขสบาย, บ่อ เช่น บ่อแร่ บ่อน้ำมัน บ่อน้ำ, อย่างชำนาญ iyi, kuyu, pekala giếng, khỏe mạnh, tốt 井, 健康的, 唔，这个，噢
Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
well
a. bueno-a; en buena salud;
well-being → bienestar;
adv. bien, favorablemente, felizmente;
all is ___ → todo va bien.
English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
- I don’t feel well (US)
I feel ill (UK) - He’s sick (US)
He’s not well (UK) - Did you sleep well?
Collins Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
well
adj & adv (comp better; super best) bien; to get — recuperarse, mejorarse, curarse
English-Spanish/Spanish-English Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Is there a word that means “more well”, in the same way that “better” means “more good”? In common parlance most people just use “better” for this purpose, but this sounds wrong and is a nagging irritation for me. “Better” is an adjective while “well” is an adverb, and so they’re strictly incompatible in how they can be used.
I realise there isn’t a commonly used word for this but I’m interested to know if there’s something archaic that and has fallen into disuse.
Answer
The Oxford English Dictionary says the following. Historically, the comparative of the adverb “well” was “bet” (the link requires subscription) whereas the comparative of the adjective “good” has been “better”. The use of the word “better” as an adverb appeared around the 13th century, and it superseded “bet” by around 1600.
As Kosmonaut writes in a comment on the question, in modern English, the word “better” is used as both an adjective and an adverb. The Merriam-Webster dictionary agrees on this.
Attribution
Source : Link , Question Author : Will Vousden , Answer Author : Tsuyoshi Ito