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best

 - 18 dictionary results
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best

  [best]
–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.
–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 prec. by at).
9. a person's highest degree of competence, inspiration, etc. (often prec. by at).
10. the highest quality to be found in a given activity or category of things (often prec. 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. a person's best wishes or kindest regards: Please give my best to your father.
–verb (used with object)
13. to get the better of; defeat; beat: He easily bested his opponent in hand-to-hand combat. She bested me in the argument.
—Idioms
14. 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 or 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. had best, would be wisest or most reasonable to; ought to: You had best phone your mother to tell her where you are going.
19. make the best of, to cope with in the best way possible: to make the best of a bad situation.
20. with the best, on a par with the most capable: He can play bridge with the best.
Use best in a Sentence
Origin:
bef. 900; ME beste, OE betst, best; c. D best, OHG bezzist (G best), ON bezt, Goth batists. See better 1 , -est
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Best

  [best]
–noun
Charles Herbert, 1899–1978, Canadian physiologist, born in the U.S.: one of the discoverers of insulin.

good

  [good] adjective, bet⋅ter, best, noun, interjection, adverb
–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. well-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, esp. beef) noting or pertaining to the specific grade below “choice,” containing more lean muscle and less edible fat than “prime” or “choice.”
41. favorably 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. (esp. in the grading of U.S. beef) an official grade below that of “choice.”
46. goods,
a. possessions, esp. 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.
47. the good,
a. the ideal of goodness or morality.
b. good things or persons collectively.
–interjection
48. (used as an expression of approval or satisfaction): Good! Now we can all go home.
–adverb
49. Informal. well.
—Idioms
50. as good as. as 1 (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. good 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, esp. 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. to 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:
bef. 900; ME (adj., adv., and n.); OE gōd (adj.); c. D goed, G gut, ON gōthr, Goth goths

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.

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. She 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.

well

1  [wel] adverb, adjective, comparative bet⋅ter, superlative best, interjection, noun
–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. commendably, meritoriously, or excellently: a difficult task well done.
5. with propriety, justice, or reason: I could not well refuse.
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. with 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
17. well-being; good fortune; success: to wish well to someone.
—Idioms
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:
bef. 900; ME, OE wel(l) (adj. and adv.); c. D wel, G wohl, ON vel, Goth 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.

Antonyms:
3. poorly, badly. 11. ill, sick.

Usage note:
See good.

well

2  [wel]
–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. 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. 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. any 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 fol. 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:
bef. 900; (n.) ME well(e), OE wylle, wella, welle; c. G Welle wave; (v.) ME wellen, OE wellan (c. D wellen, ON vella); both n. and v. ult. akin to weallan to boil

Synonyms:
3. store, fund, mine, fount.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Cite This Source Link To best
best   (běst)   
adj.   Superlative of good.

  1. Surpassing all others in excellence, achievement, or quality; most excellent: the best performer; the best grade of ore.

  2. Most satisfactory, suitable, or useful; most desirable: the best solution; the best time for planting.

  3. Greatest; most: He spoke for the best part of an hour.

  4. Most highly skilled: the best doctor in town.

adv.   Superlative of well2.

  1. In a most excellent way; most creditably or advantageously.

  2. To the greatest degree or extent; most: "He was certainly the best hated man in the ship" (W. Somerset Maugham).

n.  

  1. One that surpasses all others.

  2. The best part, moment, or value: The best is still to come. Let's get the best out of life.

  3. The optimum condition or quality: look your best. She was at her best in the freestyle competition.

  4. One's nicest or most formal clothing.

  5. The supreme effort one can make: doing our best.

  6. One's warmest wishes or regards: Give them my best.

tr.v.   best·ed, best·ing, bests
To get the better of; beat: "I'm a rough customer, I expect, but I know when I'm bested" (Nathanael West).

[Middle English, from Old English betst; see bhad- in Indo-European roots.]
Usage Note: According to a traditional rule of grammar, better, not best, should be used in comparisons between two things: Which house of Congress has the better attendance record? This rule is often ignored in practice, but it still has many devoted adherents. In certain fixed expressions, however, best is used idiomatically for comparisons between two: Put your best foot forward. May the best team win! See Usage Notes at have, rather.
Best   (běst)   
American-born Canadian physiologist noted for his work on the discovery and application of insulin.
good   (gŏŏd)   
adj.   bet·ter (bět'ər), best (běst)

  1. Being positive or desirable in nature; not bad or poor: a good experience; good news from the hospital.

    1. Having the qualities that are desirable or distinguishing in a particular thing: a good exterior paint; a good joke.

    2. Serving the desired purpose or end; suitable: Is this a good dress for the party?

    3. Not spoiled or ruined: The milk is still good.

    4. In excellent condition; sound: a good tooth.

    5. Superior to the average; satisfactory: a good student.

    6. Used formerly to refer to the U.S. Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice.

    7. Of high quality: good books.

    8. Discriminating: good taste.

    9. Reliable; sure: a good investment.

    10. Valid or true: a good reason.

    11. Genuine; real: a good dollar bill.

    12. In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.

    13. Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.

    14. Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?

    15. Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.

    16. Ample; substantial: a good income.

    17. Bountiful: a good table.

    18. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.

    19. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.

    20. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.

    21. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.

    22. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.

    23. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.

    24. Socially correct; proper: good manners.

    25. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.

    26. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.

    1. Not spoiled or ruined: The milk is still good.

    2. In excellent condition; sound: a good tooth.

    3. Superior to the average; satisfactory: a good student.

    4. Used formerly to refer to the U.S. Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice.

    5. Of high quality: good books.

    6. Discriminating: good taste.

    7. Reliable; sure: a good investment.

    8. Valid or true: a good reason.

    9. Genuine; real: a good dollar bill.

    10. In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.

    11. Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.

    12. Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?

    13. Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.

    14. Ample; substantial: a good income.

    15. Bountiful: a good table.

    16. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.

    17. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.

    18. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.

    19. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.

    20. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.

    21. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.

    22. Socially correct; proper: good manners.

    23. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.

    24. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.

    1. Superior to the average; satisfactory: a good student.

    2. Used formerly to refer to the U.S. Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice.

    3. Of high quality: good books.

    4. Discriminating: good taste.

    5. Reliable; sure: a good investment.

    6. Valid or true: a good reason.

    7. Genuine; real: a good dollar bill.

    8. In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.

    9. Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.

    10. Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?

    11. Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.

    12. Ample; substantial: a good income.

    13. Bountiful: a good table.

    14. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.

    15. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.

    16. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.

    17. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.

    18. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.

    19. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.

    20. Socially correct; proper: good manners.

    21. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.

    22. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.

    1. Of high quality: good books.

    2. Discriminating: good taste.

    3. Reliable; sure: a good investment.

    4. Valid or true: a good reason.

    5. Genuine; real: a good dollar bill.

    6. In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.

    7. Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.

    8. Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?

    9. Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.

    10. Ample; substantial: a good income.

    11. Bountiful: a good table.

    12. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.

    13. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.

    14. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.

    15. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.

    16. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.

    17. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.

    18. Socially correct; proper: good manners.

    19. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.

    20. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.

  6. Worthy of respect; honorable: ruined the family's good name.

  7. Attractive; handsome: good looks.

  8. Beneficial to health; salutary: a good night's rest.

  9. Competent; skilled: a good machinist.

  10. Complete; thorough: a good workout.

    1. Reliable; sure: a good investment.

    2. Valid or true: a good reason.

    3. Genuine; real: a good dollar bill.

    4. In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.

    5. Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.

    6. Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?

    7. Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.

    8. Ample; substantial: a good income.

    9. Bountiful: a good table.

    10. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.

    11. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.

    12. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.

    13. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.

    14. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.

    15. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.

    16. Socially correct; proper: good manners.

    17. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.

    18. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.

    1. In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.

    2. Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.

    3. Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?

    4. Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.

    5. Ample; substantial: a good income.

    6. Bountiful: a good table.

    7. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.

    8. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.

    9. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.

    10. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.

    11. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.

    12. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.

    13. Socially correct; proper: good manners.

    14. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.

    15. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.

    1. Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?

    2. Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.

    3. Ample; substantial: a good income.

    4. Bountiful: a good table.

    5. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.

    6. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.

    7. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.

    8. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.

    9. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.

    10. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.

    11. Socially correct; proper: good manners.

    12. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.

    13. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.

    1. Ample; substantial: a good income.

    2. Bountiful: a good table.

    3. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.

    4. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.

    5. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.

    6. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.

    7. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.

    8. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.

    9. Socially correct; proper: good manners.

    10. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.

    11. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.

  15. Full: It is a good mile from here.

    1. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.

    2. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.

    3. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.

    4. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.

    5. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.

    6. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.

    7. Socially correct; proper: good manners.

    8. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.

    9. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.

    1. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.

    2. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.

    3. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.

    4. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.

    5. Socially correct; proper: good manners.

    6. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.

    7. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.

    1. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.

    2. Socially correct; proper: good manners.

    3. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.

    4. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.

  19. Sports

    1. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.

    2. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.

  20. Used to form exclamatory phrases expressing surprise or dismay: Good heavens! Good grief!

n.  

    1. Something that is good.

    2. A good, valuable, or useful part or aspect.

    3. Commodities; wares: frozen goods.

    4. Portable personal property.

    5. (used with a sing. or pl. verb) Fabric; material.

  2. Welfare; benefit: for the common good.

  3. Goodness; virtue: There is much good to be found in people.

  4. goods

    1. Commodities; wares: frozen goods.

    2. Portable personal property.

    3. (used with a sing. or pl. verb) Fabric; material.

  5. goods Slang Incriminating information or evidence: tried to get the goods on the crook.

adv.   Informal
Well.

[Middle English, from Old English gōd; see ghedh- in Indo-European roots.]
Usage Note: Good is properly used as an adjective with linking verbs such as be, seem, or appear: The future looks good. The soup tastes good. It should not be used as an adverb with other verbs: The car runs well (not good). Thus, The dress fits well and looks good. See Usage Note at well2.
well 2   (wěl)   
adv.   bet·ter (bět'ər), best (běst)

  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.

    1. Not ailing, infirm, or diseased; healthy. See Synonyms at healthy.

    2. Cured or healed, as a wound.

    3. 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.

    4. Advisable; prudent: It would be well not to ask.

    5. Fortunate; good: It is well that you stayed.

    1. Advisable; prudent: It would be well not to ask.

    2. 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.


[Middle English wel, from Old English; see wel-1 in Indo-European roots.]
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, which is well known to pediatricians and recent parents. 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.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

good  (adj.)
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, suitable," 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.1205. Goods "property" first recorded c.1280, but singular in the same sense was in O.E. The good neighbours is Scot. euphemism for "the fairies" (1588). Good-for-nothing is from 1711; good-looking is from 1780; good-natured first recorded 1577. 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, originally superlative of bot "remedy, reparation," the root word now only surviving in to boot, 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 (c.1374). Best girl is first attested 1887 in a Texas context; best man is 1814, originally Scottish, replacing groomsman.

well  (n.)
"hole dug for water, spring of water," O.E. wielle (W.Saxon), welle (Anglian), from wiellan (see well (v.)).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: good
Function: noun
1 : advancement of prosperity and well-being good of the community>
2 : an item of tangible movable personal property having value but usually excluding money, securities, and negotiable instruments —usually used in pl.: as a plural : all things under section 2-105 of the Uniform Commercial Code that are movable at the time of identification to the contract for sale other than the money that is to be paid, investment securities, and choses in action b plural : all things under section 9-104 of the Uniform Commercial Code that are movable at the time that a security interest in them attaches or that are fixtures but excluding money, documents, instruments, accounts, chattel paper, general intangibles, and minerals or the like before extraction
consumer goods
: goods purchased primarily for personal, family, or household uses
du·ra·ble goods
: consumer goods that last and are used for a number of years : DURABLES
fungible goods
: goods of which any unit is by nature or by usage of trade the equivalent of any other unit esp. as defined by section 1-201 of the Uniform Commercial Code
fu·ture goods
: goods that are the subject of a contract but are not yet existing or specified
hard goods
: DURABLE GOODS in this entry
house·hold goods
: goods used in connection with the home; specifically : furniture, furnishings, and personal effects used in a dwelling as defined by section 7-209 of the Uniform Commercial Code
mo·bile goods
: goods as defined in section 9-103 of the Uniform Commercial Code that are mobile, are of a type (as vehicles) usually used in more than one jurisdiction, are not covered by a certificate of title, and are either the equipment of a debtor or inventory leased by a debtor
or·di·nary goods
: goods as defined by section 9-103 of the Uniform Commercial Code that are anything other than those covered by a certificate of title, mobile goods, or minerals
pro·duc·er goods
: goods (as tools and raw materials) used to produce other goods and satisfy human wants only indirectly
soft goods
: consumer goods that are not durable goods
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: well
Pronunciation: 'wel
Function: adjective
1 : free or recovered from infirmity or disease : HEALTHY well person>
2 : completely cured or healed well>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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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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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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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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