Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!) Easter eggs (New!)

Literary notes about well (AI summary)

The word "well" in literature serves a multitude of functions, ranging from an adverb modifying an action or quality to a discourse marker introducing a pause or shift in tone. It appears both as a descriptor of proficiency or suitability—as in doing something "well" to emphasize moral duty or accomplishment ([1], [2])—and as an intensifier indicating thoroughness or extent, such as in expressions of reputation or adequacy ("I am—I am—too well known" ([3]), "a well-regulated militia" ([4])). Authors also employ it to precede comments or reflections that guide the reader’s attention ("Well, to-morrow I will begin by trying to make you happy" ([5]), "Well, now, that seems reasonable" ([6])). The versatility of "well" further emerges in its ability to qualify adjectives, describe states of being, and even serve as part of idiomatic expressions, underscoring its role as a flexible and dynamic linguistic tool in narrative and dialogue ([7], [8]).
  1. And now you shall do well to give us an answer hereto. 12:19.
    — from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete
  2. She did very well to relieve my agony of desire to possess you, when I knew you were better occupied, and that I could not do so—but that is all.
    — from The Romance of Lust: A classic Victorian erotic novel by Anonymous
  3. I am—I am—too well known: I only know Latin, that is all I know.”
    — from Complete Original Short Stories of Guy De Maupassant by Guy de Maupassant
  4. A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
    — from The Government Class BookDesigned for the Instruction of Youth in the Principlesof Constitutional Government and the Rights and Duties ofCitizens. by Andrew W. (Andrew White) Young
  5. Well, to-morrow I will begin by trying to make you happy.
    — from Villette by Charlotte Brontë
  6. “Well now, that seems reasonable,” said Matthew.
    — from Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
  7. Bergmann , Marcus S., convert of the L.J.S., is well-known as a missionary of the L.C.M. and translator of the Bible into Yiddish.
    — from Some Jewish Witnesses For Christ by Aaron Bernstein
  8. The latter signifies keen and well sharpened.
    — from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux