Good vs. Well: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 1, 2023
"Good" is an adjective describing quality, while "Well" is primarily an adverb describing performance.
Key Differences
"Good" and "Well" are both positive descriptors, but their functions in sentences differ. "Good" is an adjective, primarily used to describe nouns. For instance, when referring to food, we might say it tastes "good," thus describing the quality of the food itself.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
"Well" serves primarily as an adverb, used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. When we discuss someone's abilities in a particular activity, we say they perform it "well." This doesn't describe the person (a noun) but their performance (a verb).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
There are cases where "Well" can act as an adjective, specifically when describing health. Saying someone is "well" means they are in good health. However, "Good" doesn't have this flexibility and remains an adjective.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Understanding the context is key to using "Good" and "Well" correctly. While it's common to hear "I'm good" in casual conversation, grammatically speaking, "I'm well" might be more appropriate, depending on the intended meaning.
Harlon Moss
Nov 01, 2023
Both "Good" and "Well" have extended uses and meanings beyond these basics. For instance, a "well" can be a noun referring to a source of water, and "good" can be a noun referring to beneficial products or actions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
ADVERTISEMENT
Good and Well Definitions
Good
Being positive or desirable in nature; not bad or poor
A good experience.
Good news from the hospital.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Well
A deep hole or shaft sunk into the earth to obtain water, oil, gas, or brine.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Having the qualities that are desirable or distinguishing in a particular thing
A good exterior paint.
A good joke.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Serving the desired purpose or end; suitable
Is this a good dress for the party?.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Used formerly to refer to the US Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
An open space extending vertically through the floors of a building, as for stairs or ventilation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
A compartment or recessed area in a ship, used for stowage
An anchor well.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
A part of a ship's weather deck enclosed between two watertight bulkheads.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
A cistern with a perforated bottom in the hold of a fishing vessel for keeping fish alive.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
An enclosed space for receiving and holding something, such as the wheels of an airplane when retracted.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
Chiefly British The central space in a law court, directly in front of the judge's bench, where the counsel or solicitor sits.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
In effect; operative
A warranty good for two years.
A driver's license that is still good.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Ready or able for a specified or assumed activity
I'm good for another round of golf.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
To a suitable or appropriate degree
This product will answer your needs equally well.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Used to form exclamatory phrases expressing surprise or dismay
Good heavens! Good grief!.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
Used to introduce a remark, resume a narrative, or fill a pause during conversation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Goods(Slang) Incriminating information or evidence
Tried to get the goods on the crook.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
(degree) To a significant degree.
That author is well known.
A monument well worth seeing
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Acting in the interest of what is beneficial, ethical, or moral.
Good intentions
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
In a desirable manner; so as one could wish; satisfactorily; favourably; advantageously.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Able to be depended on for the discharge of obligations incurred; of unimpaired credit; used with for.
Can you lend me fifty dollars? You know I'm good for it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Well-behaved (especially of children or animals).
Be good while your mother and I are out.
Were you a good boy for the babysitter?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
(US) Satisfied or at ease; not requiring more.
Would you like a glass of water? — I'm good.
[Are] you good? — Yeah, I'm fine.
Gimme another beer! — I think you're good.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Accepting of, OK with
My mother said she's good with me being alone with my date as long as she's met them first.
The soup is rather spicy. Are you good with that, or would you like something else?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
A hole sunk into the ground as a source of water, oil, natural gas or other fluids.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Useful for a particular purpose; functional.
It’s a good watch;
The flashlight batteries are still good
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
A small depression suitable for holding liquid or other objects.
Make a well in the dough mixture and pour in the milk.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
(nautical) A vertical, cylindrical trunk in a ship, reaching down to the lowest part of the hull, through which the bilge pumps operate.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Of food or other perishable products, still fit for use; not yet expired, stale, rotten, etc.
The bread is still good.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
(nautical) A compartment in the middle of the hold of a fishing vessel, made tight at the sides, but having holes perforated in the bottom to let in water to keep fish alive while they are transported to market.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Valid, of worth, capable of being honoured.
This coupon is good for a free doughnut.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
(nautical) A vertical passage in the stern into which an auxiliary screw propeller may be drawn up out of the water.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
True, valid, of explanatory strength.
This theory still holds good even if much higher temperatures are assumed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
(military) A hole or excavation in the earth, in mining, from which run branches or galleries.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
(architecture) An opening through the floors of a building, as for a staircase or an elevator; a wellhole.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
(video games) The playfield of Tetris and similar video games, into which the blocks fall.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
(biology) In a microtiter plate, each of the small equal circular or square sections which serve as test tubes.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
(intransitive) To issue forth, as water from the earth; to flow; to spring.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
(intransitive) To have something seep out of the surface.
Her eyes welled with tears.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Holy especially when capitalized .
Good Friday, Good Wednesday, the Good Book
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
An issue of water from the earth; a spring; a fountain.
Begin, then, sisters of the sacred well.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
A pit or hole sunk into the earth to such a depth as to reach a supply of water, generally of a cylindrical form, and often walled with stone or bricks to prevent the earth from caving in.
The woman said unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Large in amount or size.
A good while longer;
A good number of seeds;
A good part of his day was spent shopping.
It will be a good while longer until he's done.
He's had a good amount of troubles, he has.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
Fig.: A source of supply; fountain; wellspring.
Dan Chaucer, well of English undefiled.
A well of serious thought and pure.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Full; entire; at least as much as.
This hill will take a good hour and a half to climb.
The car was a good ten miles away.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
An inclosure in the middle of a vessel's hold, around the pumps, from the bottom to the lower deck, to preserve the pumps from damage and facilitate their inspection.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
That is good; an elliptical exclamation of satisfaction or commendation.
Good! I can leave now.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
A hole or excavation in the earth, in mining, from which run branches or galleries.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
(nonstandard) Well; satisfactorily or thoroughly.
The boy done good. (did well)
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
An opening through the floors of a building, as for a staircase or an elevator; a wellhole.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
(uncountable) The forces or behaviours that are the enemy of evil. Usually consists of helping others and general benevolence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
To issue forth, as water from the earth; to flow; to spring.
From his two springs in Gojam's sunny realm,Pure welling out, he through the lucid lakeOf fair Dambea rolls his infant streams.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
(uncountable) The abstract instantiation of goodness; that which possesses desirable qualities, promotes success, welfare, or happiness, is serviceable, fit, excellent, kind, benevolent, etc.
The best is the enemy of the good.
He is an influence for good on those girls.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
In a good or proper manner; justly; rightly; not ill or wickedly.
If thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
Suitably to one's condition, to the occasion, or to a proposed end or use; suitably; abundantly; fully; adequately; thoroughly.
Lot . . . beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere.
WE are wellable to overcome it.
She looketh well to the ways of her household.
Servant of God, well done! well hast thou foughtThe better fight.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
In such manner as is desirable; so as one could wish; satisfactorily; favorably; advantageously; conveniently.
KnowIn measure what the mind may well contain.
All the world speaks well of you.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
Considerably; not a little; far.
Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
(transitive) To do good to (someone); benefit; cause to improve or gain.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
Good in condition or circumstances; desirable, either in a natural or moral sense; fortunate; convenient; advantageous; happy; as, it is well for the country that the crops did not fail; it is well that the mistake was discovered.
It was well with us in Egypt.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
Being in health; sound in body; not ailing, diseased, or sick; healthy; as, a well man; the patient is perfectly well.
Is your father well, the old man of whom ye spake?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
Being in favor; favored; fortunate.
He followed the fortunes of that family, and was well with Henry the Fourth.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Possessing desirable qualities; adapted to answer the end designed; promoting success, welfare, or happiness; serviceable; useful; fit; excellent; admirable; commendable; not bad, corrupt, evil, noxious, offensive, or troublesome, etc.
And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.
Good company, good wine, good welcome.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
A deep hole or shaft dug or drilled to obtain water or oil or gas or brine
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Possessing moral excellence or virtue; virtuous; pious; religious; - said of persons or actions.
In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Kind; benevolent; humane; merciful; gracious; polite; propitious; friendly; well-disposed; - often followed by to or toward, also formerly by unto.
The men were very good unto us.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Serviceable; suited; adapted; suitable; of use; to be relied upon; - followed especially by for.
All quality that is good for anything is founded originally in merit.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Clever; skillful; dexterous; ready; handy; - followed especially by at.
He . . . is a good workman; a very good tailor.
Those are generally good at flattering who are good for nothing else.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
An enclosed compartment in a ship or plane for holding something as e.g. fish or a plane's landing gear or for protecting something as e.g. a ship's pumps
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Adequate; sufficient; competent; sound; not fallacious; valid; in a commercial sense, to be depended on for the discharge of obligations incurred; having pecuniary ability; of unimpaired credit.
My reasons are both good and weighty.
My meaning in saying he is a good man is . . . that he is sufficient . . . I think I may take his bond.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Real; actual; serious; as in the phrases in good earnest; in good sooth.
Love no man in good earnest.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
In good health especially after having suffered illness or injury;
Appears to be entirely well
The wound is nearly well
A well man
I think I'm well; at least I feel well
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Not small, insignificant, or of no account; considerable; esp., in the phrases a good deal, a good way, a good degree, a good share or part, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
Resulting favorably;
Its a good thing that I wasn't there
It is good that you stayed
It is well that no one saw you
All's well that ends well
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Not lacking or deficient; full; complete.
Good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
Wise or advantageous and hence advisable;
It would be well to start early
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Not blemished or impeached; fair; honorable; unsullied; as in the phrases a good name, a good report, good repute, etc.
A good name is better than precious ointment
The good woman never died after this, till she came to die for good and all.
Distinguished by good humor and good breeding.
My father always said I was born to be a good for nothing.
The good nature and generosity which belonged to his character.
The young count's good nature and easy persuadability were among his best characteristics.
The good will of a trade is nothing more than the probability that the old customers will resort to the old place.
Each word made good and true.
Of no power to make his wishes good.
I . . . would by combat make her good.
Convenient numbers to make good the city.
If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (`good' is a nonstandard dialectal variant for `well');
The children behaved well
A task well done
The party went well
He slept well
A well-argued thesis
A well-planned party
The baby can walk pretty good
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
That which possesses desirable qualities, promotes success, welfare, or happiness, is serviceable, fit, excellent, kind, benevolent, etc.; - opposed to evil.
There be many that say, Who will show us any good ?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
Thoroughly or completely; fully; often used as a combining form;
The problem is well understood
She was well informed
Shake well before using
In order to avoid food poisoning be sure the meat is well cooked
Well-done beef
Well-satisfied customers
Well-educated
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Advancement of interest or happiness; welfare; prosperity; advantage; benefit; - opposed to harm, etc.
The good of the whole community can be promoted only by advancing the good of each of the members composing it.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
Indicating high probability; in all likelihood;
I might well do it
A mistake that could easily have ended in disaster
You may well need your umbrella
He could equally well be trying to deceive us
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Wares; commodities; chattels; - formerly used in the singular in a collective sense. In law, a comprehensive name for almost all personal property as distinguished from land or real property.
He hath made us spend much good.
Thy lands and goodsAre, by the laws of Venice, confiscateUnto the state of Venice.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
(used for emphasis or as an intensifier) entirely or fully;
A book well worth reading
Was well aware of the difficulties ahead
Suspected only too well what might be going on
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Well, - especially in the phrase as good, with a following as expressed or implied; equally well with as much advantage or as little harm as possible.
As good almost kill a man as kill a good book.
They who counsel ye to such a suppressing, do as good as bid ye suppress yourselves.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
To a suitable or appropriate extent or degree;
The project was well underway
The fetus has well developed organs
His father was well pleased with his grades
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
Favorably; with approval;
Their neighbors spoke well of them
He thought well of the book
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
To a great extent or degree;
I'm afraid the film was well over budget
Painting the room white made it seem considerably (or substantially) larger
The house has fallen considerably in value
The price went up substantially
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Moral excellence or admirableness;
There is much good to be found in people
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
With prudence or propriety;
You would do well to say nothing more
Could not well refuse
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
That which is good or valuable or useful;
Weigh the good against the bad
Among the highest goods of all are happiness and self-realization
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified;
Good news from the hospital
A good report card
When she was good she was very very good
A good knife is one good for cutting
This stump will make a good picnic table
A good check
A good joke
A good exterior paint
A good secretary
A good dress for the office
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
In a manner affording benefit or advantage;
She married well
The children were settled advantageously in Seattle
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Having the normally expected amount;
Gives full measure
Gives good measure
A good mile from here
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
In financial comfort;
They live well
She has been able to live comfortably since her husband died
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Well
Without unusual distress or resentment; with good humor;
Took the joke well
Took the tragic news well
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Deserving of esteem and respect;
All respectable companies give guarantees
Ruined the family's good name
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Promoting or enhancing well-being;
An arms limitation agreement beneficial to all countries
The beneficial effects of a temperate climate
The experience was good for her
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Superior to the average;
In fine spirits
A fine student
Made good grades
Morale was good
Had good weather for the parade
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Of moral excellence;
A genuinely good person
A just cause
An upright and respectable man
The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful, and virtuous
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude;
Adept in handicrafts
An adept juggler
An expert job
A good mechanic
A practiced marksman
A proficient engineer
A lesser-known but no less skillful composer
The effect was achieved by skillful retouching
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
With or in a close or intimate relationship;
A good friend
My sisters and brothers are near and dear
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Having or showing or arising from a desire to promote the welfare or happiness of others;
His benevolent smile
A benevolent nature
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Most suitable or right for a particular purpose;
A good time to plant tomatoes
The right time to act
The time is ripe for great sociological changes
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Resulting favorably;
Its a good thing that I wasn't there
It is good that you stayed
It is well that no one saw you
All's well that ends well
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Exerting force or influence;
The law is effective immediately
A warranty good for two years
The law is already in effect (or in force)
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
In excellent physical condition;
Good teeth
I still have one good leg
A sound mind in a sound body
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
Tending to promote physical well-being; beneficial to health;
Beneficial effects of a balanced diet
A good night's sleep
The salutary influence of pure air
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (`good' is a nonstandard dialectal variant for `well');
The children behaved well
A task well done
The party went well
He slept well
A well-argued thesis
A well-planned party
The baby can walk pretty good
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Good
In a complete and thorough manner (`good' is sometimes used informally for `thoroughly');
He was soundly defeated
We beat him good
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Is saying "I'm good" correct?
While common in casual conversation, it depends on the context.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Can "Well" intensify an adjective?
Yes, e.g., "well aware" or "well prepared."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Is "Well" only an adverb?
Primarily, but it can be an adjective describing health.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Are "Good" and "Well" interchangeable?
Not usually. "Good" describes nouns, while "Well" modifies verbs.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Can "Well" be used to describe health?
Yes, e.g., "She's feeling well today."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
How do you respond to "How are you?"
Both "I'm good" (casual) and "I'm well" (health or proper) can work.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Can "Well" indicate surprise?
Yes, as an interjection, e.g., "Well, I never thought of that!"
Harlon Moss
Nov 01, 2023
Does "Well up" relate to emotions?
Yes, it means to fill with emotion, e.g., "Tears welled up in her eyes."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
Can both words be part of phrases?
Absolutely, e.g., "good to go" and "well beyond."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 01, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
