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Definition well in British English

well interjection

interjection
/wel/

Well is used mainly in informal English, especially in conversation. In academic writing and professional reports, it is better not to use well:

✗ It is said that increased violence is the fault of TV. Well, to some extent, I agree.

✓ It is said that increased violence is the fault of TV. To some extent, I agree.

✗ The process of uniting Europe is not easy. Well, for example, unifying standards is a time-consuming procedure.

✓ The process of uniting Europe is not easy. For example, unifying standards is a time-consuming procedure.

1

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

Example

Well, I agree with you about that.

Example

Well, I haven't seen you for a long time.

Synonyms and related words
well oh okey-dokey
1.1

used for replying to someone when you think that there is something slightly wrong with what they have said

Example

Well, I wouldn't have put it quite like that.

Synonyms and related words
absolutely not are you kidding? arguably
1.2

used for replying to someone when they are expecting you to say 'yes', but the answer is 'no'

Example

'So you told him what you thought of his idea, then?' 'Well, not exactly.'

Synonyms and related words
no certainly not by no means
2

used for asking a question or for asking for an explanation

Example

Well, what did they say?

Example

Well, who's responsible for this mess?

Synonyms and related words
after you any chance of...? any luck?
3

used for continuing to tell someone something after a pause

Example

Well, as I was saying...

Synonyms and related words
OK well like
3.1

used when telling a story for introducing the words that you or someone else has said

Example

So then she says well pack your things and go!

Synonyms and related words
it all began well oh
4

used for expressing a feeling such as doubt, surprise, or anger

Example

Well, they have a nerve!

Example

Well, I don't know about that.

Synonyms and related words
hell blast for heaven’s sake/sakes ooh wow well
5

used for ending a discussion or talk

Example

Well, that's all for now.

Synonyms and related words
OK well period
Definition well in British English

Related Words

Words related to well:

a well-kept secret (phrase) all is well (phrase) all’s well that ends well (phrase) (all) well and good (phrase) artesian well (noun) as well (phrase) be all very well (phrase) be doing well (phrase) do well by someone (phrase) get well (soon) (phrase) jolly well (phrase) just as well (phrase) know perfectly well (phrase) may as well (phrase) mean well (phrase) ne’er-do-well (noun) oh well () oil well () photograph (phrase) speak well (phrase) the worried well (noun) travel well (phrase) very well (phrase) wear well (phrase) well (adverb) well (interjection) well (adjective) well (noun) well (verb) well done (phrase) Well, I never (did) (phrase) well, well (phrase) well-adjusted (adjective) well-advised (adjective) well-appointed (adjective) well-balanced (adjective) well-behaved (adjective) well-being (noun) well-born (adjective) well-bred (adjective) well-brought-up (adjective) well-built (adjective) well-chosen (adjective) well-connected (adjective) well-defined (adjective) well-disposed (adjective) well-documented (adjective) well-done (adjective) well-dressed (adjective) well-earned (adjective) well-educated (adjective) well-endowed (adjective) well-established (adjective) well-fed (adjective) well-fitting (adjective) well-formed (adjective) well-founded (adjective) well-groomed (adjective) well-grounded (adjective) well-heeled (adjective) well-hung (adjective) well-informed (adjective) well-intentioned (adjective) well-kept (adjective) well-known (adjective) well-liked (adjective) well-mannered (adjective) well-matched (adjective) well-meaning (adjective) well-meant (adjective) well-nigh (adverb) well-off (adjective) well-oiled (adjective) well-paid (adjective) well-preserved (adjective) well-read (adjective) well-received (adjective) well-regarded (adjective) well-respected (adjective) well-rounded (adjective) well-run (adjective) well-spoken (adjective) well-stocked (adjective) well-thought-of (adjective) well-thought-out (adjective) well-thumbed (adjective) well-timed (adjective) well-to-do (adjective) well-travelled (adjective) well-tried (adjective) well-trodden (adjective) well-turned (adjective) well-turned-out (adjective) well-versed (adjective) well-wisher (noun) well-woman (adjective) well-worn (adjective) wishing well (noun) worried well (noun)