3well interjection
1 — used to show that you are unsure about something you are saying ▪ They are, well, not quite what you'd expect. ▪ “How old is he?” “Well, let me see now…” ▪ “Can you explain how it works?” “Well, I can try.” ▪ Well, I suppose I could help you just this once. 2 — used to show that you accept something even though you are not happy about it ▪ “I'm sorry about the mix-up.” “Well, that's OK. These things happen.” ▪ Oh, very well. I suppose we can finish this discussion tomorrow. ▪ “We're busy this week.” “Oh, well, maybe we can get together next week.” 3 — used when you are trying to persuade someone or to make someone feel less upset, worried, etc. ▪ Well, maybe it won't be that bad. ▪ Well, you should at least consider their offer before you reject it. 4 — used when you are saying in a mild way that you disapprove of or disagree with something ▪ Well, what if you're wrong? ▪ Well, I still think my way is better. 5 — used to show that you are waiting for someone to say or do something ▪ Well, what have you decided? ▪ Well, don't just stand there—give me a hand! 6 — used to say that something has ended or to make a final statement about something ▪ Well, we'd better get going. ▪ Well, that's all of it. ▪ Well, thanks for everything. ▪ Well then, it's all set. There's nothing more to do. 7 — used to begin a story or explanation or to continue one that was interrupted ▪ Well, what happened was this. I fell asleep. ▪ Well, as I was saying, I had never been there before. ▪ You know Tom, don't you? Well, I ran into him yesterday. ▪ “He speaks excellent Spanish.” “Well, after all, he did study in Spain for a couple of years.” 8 — used to express happiness or relief ▪ “We're getting married.” “Well, that's great news! Congratulations!” ▪ “The doctor says it's nothing serious.” “Well, thank goodness!” 9 — used to express surprise or annoyance ▪ Well, well, what do we have here? ▪ Well, hello! I wasn't expecting you so soon. ▪ Well, if it isn't my old friend Tom! ▪ Is that so? Well, I never would have guessed. ▪ Well! It's about time you showed up! 10 — used when you want to correct a previous statement ▪ Everyone—well, almost everyone—attended the meeting.
