Nearby Words
Synonyms
adjective, superl. of good with better as compar.
1.
of the highest quality, excellence, or standing: the best work; the best students.
2.
most advantageous, suitable, or desirable: the best way.
3.
largest; most: the best part of a day.
adverb, superl. of well with better as compar.
4.
most excellently or suitably; with most advantage or success: an opera role that best suits her voice.
5.
in or to the highest degree; most fully (usually used in combination): best-suited; best-known; best-loved.
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Best
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is peculate. Does it mean:
| chat, to converse |
| to steal or take dishonestly (money, esp. public funds, or property entrusted to one's care); embezzle. |
noun
6.
something or someone that is best: They always demand and get the best. The best of us can make mistakes.
7.
a person's finest clothing: It's important that you wear your best.
8.
a person's most agreeable or desirable emotional state (often preceded by at).
9.
a person's highest degree of competence, inspiration, etc. (often preceded by at).
10.
EXPANDthe highest quality to be found in a given activity or category of things (often preceded by at): cabinetmaking at its best.
11.
the best effort that a person, group, or thing can make: Their best fell far short of excellence.
12.
COLLAPSEa person's best wishes or kindest regards: Please give my best to your father.
verb (used with object)
Idioms14.
all for the best, for the good as the final result; to an ultimate advantage: At the time it was hard to realize how it could be all for the best. Also, for the best.
15.
as best one can, in the best way possible under the circumstances: We tried to smooth over the disagreement as best we could.
16.
at best, under the most favorable circumstances: You may expect to be treated civilly, at best.
17.
get/have the best of,
a.
to gain the advantage over.
b.
to defeat; subdue: His arthritis gets the best of him from time to time.
18.
EXPANDhad best, would be wisest or most reasonable to; ought to: You had best phone your mother to tell her where you are going.
Example Sentences
- It was a textural marvel, combining the fluffiness of a meringue on the inside with the chewy crust of the best brownies on top.
- One case aside, even the best available fishing equipment and regulations will result in a few stray snags.
- Unfortunately, despite our best defenses, sunburn is a common summer malady for humans.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
adjective
1.
morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious: a good man.
2.
satisfactory in quality, quantity, or degree: a good teacher; good health.
3.
of high quality; excellent.
4.
right; proper; fit: It is good that you are here. His credentials are good.
5.
EXPANDwell-behaved: a good child.
6.
kind, beneficent, or friendly: to do a good deed.
7.
honorable or worthy; in good standing: a good name.
8.
educated and refined: She has a good background.
9.
financially sound or safe: His credit is good.
10.
genuine; not counterfeit: a good quarter.
11.
sound or valid: good judgment; good reasons.
12.
reliable; dependable; responsible: good advice.
13.
healthful; beneficial: Fresh fruit is good for you.
14.
in excellent condition; healthy: good teeth.
15.
not spoiled or tainted; edible; palatable: The meat was still good after three months in the freezer.
16.
favorable; propitious: good news.
17.
cheerful; optimistic; amiable: in good spirits.
18.
free of distress or pain; comfortable: to feel good after surgery.
19.
agreeable; pleasant: Have a good time.
20.
attractive; handsome: She has a good figure.
21.
(of the complexion) smooth; free from blemish.
22.
close or intimate; warm: She's a good friend of mine.
23.
sufficient or ample: a good supply.
24.
advantageous; satisfactory for the purpose: a good day for fishing.
25.
competent or skillful; clever: a good manager; good at arithmetic.
26.
skillfully or expertly done: a really good job; a good play.
27.
conforming to rules of grammar, usage, etc.; correct: good English.
28.
socially proper: good manners.
29.
remaining available to one: Don't throw good money after bad.
30.
comparatively new or of relatively fine quality: Don't play in the mud in your good clothes.
31.
best or most dressy: He wore his good suit to the office today.
32.
full: a good day's journey away.
33.
fairly large or great: a good amount.
34.
free from precipitation or cloudiness: good weather.
35.
Medicine/Medical. (of a patient's condition) having stable and normal vital signs, being conscious and comfortable, and having excellent appetite, mobility, etc.
36.
fertile; rich: good soil.
37.
loyal: a good Democrat.
38.
(of a return or service in tennis, squash, handball, etc.) landing within the limits of a court or section of a court.
39.
Horse Racing. (of the surface of a track) drying after a rain so as to be still slightly sticky: This horse runs best on a good track.
40.
(of meat, especially beef) noting or pertaining to the specific grade below “choice,” containing more lean muscle and less edible fat than “prime” or “choice.”
41.
COLLAPSEfavorably regarded (used as an epithet for a ship, town, etc.): the good ship Syrena.
noun
42.
profit or advantage; worth; benefit: What good will that do? We shall work for the common good.
43.
excellence or merit; kindness: to do good.
44.
moral righteousness; virtue: to be a power for good.
45.
(especially in the grading of U.S. beef) an official grade below that of “choice.”
46.
EXPANDgoods,
a.
possessions, especially movable effects or personal property.
b.
articles of trade; wares; merchandise: canned goods.
c.
Informal. what has been promised or is expected: to deliver the goods.
d.
Informal. the genuine article.
e.
Informal. evidence of guilt, as stolen articles: to catch someone with the goods.
f.
cloth or textile material: top-quality linen goods.
g.
Chiefly British. merchandise sent by land, rather than by water or air.
interjection
48.
(used as an expression of approval or satisfaction): Good! Now we can all go home.
adverb
Idioms49.
Informal. well.
50.
as good as. as1 (def. 22).
51.
come to no good, to end in failure or as a failure: Her jealous relatives said that she would come to no good.
52.
for good, finally and permanently; forever: to leave the country for good. Also, for good and all.
53.
good and, Informal. very; completely; exceedingly: This soup is good and hot.
54.
EXPANDgood for,
a.
certain to repay (money owed) because of integrity, financial stability, etc.
b.
the equivalent in value of: Two thousand stamps are good for one coffeepot.
c.
able to survive or continue functioning for (the length of time or the distance indicated): These tires are good for another 10,000 miles.
d.
valid or in effect for (the length of time indicated): a license good for one year.
e.
(used as an expression of approval): Good for you!
55.
good full, Nautical. (of a sail or sails) well filled, especially when sailing close to the wind; clean full; rap full.
56.
make good,
a.
to make recompense for; repay.
b.
to implement an agreement; fulfill.
c.
to be successful.
d.
to substantiate; verify.
e.
to carry out; accomplish; execute: The convicts made good their getaway.
57.
no good, without value or merit; worthless; contemptible: The check was no good.
58.
COLLAPSEto the good,
a.
generally advantageous: That's all to the good, but what do I get out of it?
b.
richer in profit or gain: When he withdrew from the partnership, he was several thousand dollars to the good.
Origin:
before 900; Middle English (adj., adv., and noun); Old English gōd (adj.); cognate with Dutch goed, German gut, Old Norse gōthr, Gothic goths
before 900; Middle English (adj., adv., and noun); Old English gōd (adj.); cognate with Dutch goed, German gut, Old Norse gōthr, Gothic goths
Related forms
qua·si-good, adjective
Synonyms
1. pure, moral, conscientious, meritorious, worthy, exemplary, upright. 2. commendable, admirable. 5. obedient, heedful. 6. kindly, benevolent, humane, gracious, obliging. 23. full, adequate. 24. profitable, useful, serviceable, beneficial. 25. efficient, proficient, capable, able, ready, suited, suitable, dexterous, expert, adroit, apt. 46. See property.
1. pure, moral, conscientious, meritorious, worthy, exemplary, upright. 2. commendable, admirable. 5. obedient, heedful. 6. kindly, benevolent, humane, gracious, obliging. 23. full, adequate. 24. profitable, useful, serviceable, beneficial. 25. efficient, proficient, capable, able, ready, suited, suitable, dexterous, expert, adroit, apt. 46. See property.
Usage note
Good is common as an adverb in informal speech, especially after forms of do: He did good on the test. She sees good with her new glasses. This use does not occur in formal speech or edited writing, where the adverb well is used instead: He did well on the test. EXPANDShe sees well with her new glasses.
The adjective good is standard after linking verbs like taste, smell, look, feel, be, and seem: Everything tastes good. The biscuits smell good. You're looking good today. When used after look or feel, good may refer to spirits as well as health: I'm feeling pretty good this morning, ready to take on the world. Well is both an adjective and an adverb. As an adjective used after look, feel, or other linking verbs, it often refers to good health: You're looking well; we missed you while you were in the hospital. See also bad.
COLLAPSE
Good is common as an adverb in informal speech, especially after forms of do: He did good on the test. She sees good with her new glasses. This use does not occur in formal speech or edited writing, where the adverb well is used instead: He did well on the test. EXPANDShe sees well with her new glasses.
The adjective good is standard after linking verbs like taste, smell, look, feel, be, and seem: Everything tastes good. The biscuits smell good. You're looking good today. When used after look or feel, good may refer to spirits as well as health: I'm feeling pretty good this morning, ready to take on the world. Well is both an adjective and an adverb. As an adjective used after look, feel, or other linking verbs, it often refers to good health: You're looking well; we missed you while you were in the hospital. See also bad.
COLLAPSE
adverb
1.
in a good or satisfactory manner: Business is going well.
2.
thoroughly, carefully, or soundly: to shake well before using; listen well.
3.
in a moral or proper manner: to behave well.
4.
EXPANDcommendably, meritoriously, or excellently: a difficult task well done.
6.
adequately or sufficiently: Think well before you act.
7.
to a considerable extent or degree: a sum well over the amount agreed upon.
8.
with great or intimate knowledge: to know a person well.
9.
certainly; without doubt: I anger easily, as you well know.
10.
COLLAPSEwith good nature; without rancor: He took the joke well.
adjective
11.
in good health; sound in body and mind: Are you well? He is not a well man.
12.
satisfactory, pleasing, or good: All is well with us.
13.
proper, fitting, or gratifying: It is well that you didn't go.
14.
in a satisfactory position; well-off: I am very well as I am.
interjection
15.
(used to express surprise, reproof, etc.): Well! There's no need to shout.
16.
(used to introduce a sentence, resume a conversation, etc.): Well, who would have thought he could do it?
noun
Idioms17.
well-being; good fortune; success: to wish well to someone.
18.
as well,
a.
in addition; also; too: She insisted on directing the play and on producing it as well.
b.
equally: The town grew as well because of its location as because of its superb climate.
19.
as well as, as much or as truly as; equally as: Joan is witty as well as intelligent.
20.
leave well enough alone, avoid changing something that is satisfactory.
Origin:
before 900; Middle English, Old English wel(l) (adj. and adv.); cognate with Dutch wel, German wohl, Old Norse vel, Gothic waila
before 900; Middle English, Old English wel(l) (adj. and adv.); cognate with Dutch wel, German wohl, Old Norse vel, Gothic waila
Synonyms
3. properly, correctly. 4. skillfully, adeptly, accurately, efficiently. 5. suitably. 6. fully, amply. 7. rather, quite. 11. healthy, hale, hearty. 12. fine. 13. suitable, befitting, appropriate. 14. fortunate, happy.
3. properly, correctly. 4. skillfully, adeptly, accurately, efficiently. 5. suitably. 6. fully, amply. 7. rather, quite. 11. healthy, hale, hearty. 12. fine. 13. suitable, befitting, appropriate. 14. fortunate, happy.
Antonyms
3. poorly, badly. 11. ill, sick.
3. poorly, badly. 11. ill, sick.
noun
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.: He was a well of gentleness and courtesy.
4.
a container, receptacle, or reservoir for a liquid: the well of ink in a fountain pen.
5.
EXPANDany 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.
Nautical.
a.
a part of a weather deck between two superstructures, extending from one side of a vessel to the other.
b.
a compartment or enclosure around a ship's pumps to make them easily accessible and protect them from being damaged by the cargo.
7.
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.
8.
COLLAPSEany shaft dug or bored into the earth, as for storage space or a mine.
verb (used without object)
9.
to rise, spring, or gush, as water, from the earth or some other source (often followed by up, out, or forth): Tears welled up in my eyes.
verb (used with object)
10.
to send welling up or forth: a fountain welling its pure water.
adjective
11.
like, of, resembling, from, or used in connection with a well.
Origin:
before 900; (noun) Middle English well(e), Old English wylle, wella, welle; cognate with German Welle wave; (v.) Middle English wellen, Old English wellan (cognate with Dutch wellen, Old Norse vella); both noun and v. ultimately akin to weallan to boil
before 900; (noun) Middle English well(e), Old English wylle, wella, welle; cognate with German Welle wave; (v.) Middle English wellen, Old English wellan (cognate with Dutch wellen, Old Norse vella); both noun and v. ultimately akin to weallan to boil
Synonyms
3. store, fund, mine, fount.
3. store, fund, mine, fount.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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|
Link To beST
Collins
World English Dictionary
| best (bɛst) | |
| —adj | |
| 1. | the superlative of good |
| 2. | most excellent of a particular group, category, etc |
| 3. | most suitable, advantageous, desirable, attractive, etc |
| 4. | the best part of most of: the best part of an hour |
| 5. | put one's best foot forward |
| a. to do one's utmost to make progress | |
| b. to hurry | |
| —adv | |
| 6. | the superlative of well |
| 7. | in a manner surpassing all others; most excellently, advantageously, attractively, etc |
| 8. | (in combination) in or to the greatest degree or extent; most: the best-loved hero |
| 9. | as best one can, as best one may as effectively as possible within one's limitations |
| 10. | had best would be wise, sensible, etc, to: you had best go now |
| —n | |
| 11. | the best the most outstanding or excellent person, thing, or group in a category |
| 12. | ( |
| 13. | the most effective effort of which a person or group is capable: even their best was inadequate |
| 14. | a winning majority: the best of three games |
| 15. | Also: all the best best wishes: she sent him her best |
| 16. | a person's smartest outfit of clothing |
| 17. | at best |
| a. in the most favourable interpretation | |
| b. under the most favourable conditions | |
| 18. | for the best |
| a. for an ultimately good outcome | |
| b. with good intentions: he meant it for the best | |
| 19. | get the best of, have the best of to surpass, defeat, or outwit; better |
| 20. | give someone the best to concede someone's superiority |
| 21. | make the best of to cope as well as possible in the unfavourable circumstances of (often in the phrases make the best of a bad job, make the best of it) |
| 22. | informal six of the best six strokes with a cane on the buttocks or hand |
| —vb | |
| 23. | (tr) to gain the advantage over or defeat |
| [Old English betst; related to Gothic batista, Old High German bezzist] | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
good
O.E. god (with a long "o") "having the right or desirable quality," from P.Gmc. *gothaz (cf. O.N. goðr, Du. goed, Ger. gut, Goth. goþs), originally "fit, adequate, belonging together," from PIE base *ghedh- "to unite, be associated, suitable" (cf. O.C.S. godu "pleasing time," Rus. godnyi "fit,
EXPANDsuitable," O.E. gædrian "to gather, to take up together"). Irregular comparatives (better, best) reflect a widespread pattern, cf. L. bonus, melior, optimus. First record of good day is from c.1200. Goods "property" first recorded late 13c., but singular in the same sense was in O.E. The good neighbours is Scot. euphemism for "the fairies" (1580s). Good-for-nothing is from 1711; good-looking is from 1780; good-natured first recorded 1570s. Good sport is from 1917; good to go is attested from 1989.
best
O.E., reduced by assimilation of -t- from earlier O.E. betst "best, first, in the best manner," originally superlative of bot "remedy, reparation," the root word now only surviving in to boot (see boot (2)), though its comparative, better, and
superlative, best, transferred to good (and in some cases well). From P.Gmc. root *bat-, with comp. *batizon and superl. *batistaz. The verb "to get the better of" is from 1863. Best-seller is from 1889; best friend was in Chaucer (late 14c.). Best girl is first attested 1887 in a Texas context; best man is 1814, originally Scottish, replacing groomsman.
well
"hole dug for water, spring of water," O.E. wielle (W.Saxon), welle (Anglian), from wiellan (see well (v.)).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary
Best (běst), Charles Herbert. 1899-1978.
American-born Canadian physiologist noted for the discovery and successful clinical application of insulin.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
American Heritage
Science Dictionary
Best  (běst) Pronunciation Key
American-born Canadian physiologist who assisted Frederick Banting in the discovery of the hormone insulin. In acknowledgment of his work, Banting shared his portion of the 1923 Nobel Prize with Best. In addition to further refining the use of insulin, Best later discovered the vitamin choline and the enzyme histaminase, which breaks down histamine. |
| well (wěl) Pronunciation Key
A deep hole or shaft sunk into the Earth to tap a liquid or gaseous substance such as water, oil, gas, or brine. If the substance is not under sufficient pressure to flow freely from the well, it must be pumped or raised mechanically to the surface. Water or pressurized gas is sometimes pumped into a nonproducing oil well to push petroleum resources out of underground reservoirs. See also artesian well. |
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
American Heritage
Idioms & Phrases
best
In addition to the idioms beginning with best, also see all for the best; all the best; as best one can; at best; at one's best; come off (second-best); do one's best; get the better (best) of; give it one's best shot; had better (best); make the best of it; on one's best behavior; put one's best foot forward; second best; Sunday best; in one's (best) interest; to the best of one's ability; with the best of them; with the best will in the world. Also see under better.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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Word Dynamo Rating For Best
Idioms & Phrases
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