Will vs. Well: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Will" refers to intention or future actions (e.g., I will go), while "Well" is an adverb indicating manner or a noun meaning a water source.
Key Differences
The word "will" typically functions as a modal verb, indicating future action or intent, whereas "well" is primarily used as an adverb, denoting the manner in which an action is performed. While "will" projects commitment or a decision towards a future event, "well" qualifies actions, suggesting proficiency or satisfactory performance.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
"Will" can also serve as a noun, signifying determination or desire, as in one's willpower. In contrast, "well," as a noun, refers to a source of water, usually a deep hole drilled into the ground. This distinction highlights "will" as a concept of intent and "well" as a physical or metaphorical source or state.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
In certain contexts, "will" is used to express a promise or a strong inclination, embodying an aspect of human agency. Conversely, "well" can function as an adjective, meaning 'in good health' or 'satisfactory,' thus serving a descriptive role. These uses underscore "will" as a vehicle of personal agency, while "well" is more about states or conditions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
The versatility of "will" extends to legal terminology, where it denotes a legal document specifying the distribution of a person's estate after their death. "Well," on the other hand, is also used colloquially as an interjection, often indicating a pause or a transition in conversation. This reflects the functional diversity of "will" and the adaptable nature of "well" in language use.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
In linguistic terms, "will" is a word that represents future tense or volition in English grammar. "Well," apart from being an adverb or noun, can also be an interjection expressing surprise or emphasis. Thus, while "will" is closely tied to time and intentionality, "well" spans various roles, from describing quality to expressing emotion or reaction.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Function
Expresses future, determination, consent
Describes manner, condition, source
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Dec 09, 2023
Usage in Questions
Seeks decisions, promises
Not typically used in questions
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Dec 09, 2023
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Will and Well Definitions
Will
"Will" is a legal document dictating property distribution
She read her grandfather's will
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Will
The mental faculty by which one deliberately chooses or decides upon a course of action
Championed freedom of will against a doctrine of predetermination.
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Oct 19, 2023
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Will
Diligent purposefulness; determination
An athlete with the will to win.
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Oct 19, 2023
Well
A deep hole or shaft sunk into the earth to obtain water, oil, gas, or brine.
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Oct 19, 2023
Will
Self-control; self-discipline
Lacked the will to overcome the addiction.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
A desire, purpose, or determination, especially of one in authority
It is the sovereign's will that the prisoner be spared.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
Deliberate intention or wish
Let it be known that I took this course of action against my will.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
Free discretion; inclination or pleasure
Wandered about, guided only by will.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
A legal declaration of how a person wishes their personal possessions to be disposed of after death.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
An open space extending vertically through the floors of a building, as for stairs or ventilation.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
A compartment or recessed area in a ship, used for stowage
An anchor well.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
To yearn for; desire
“She makes you will your own destruction” (George Bernard Shaw).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
A part of a ship's weather deck enclosed between two watertight bulkheads.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
To decree, dictate, or order
Believed that the outcome was willed by the gods.
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Oct 19, 2023
Well
A cistern with a perforated bottom in the hold of a fishing vessel for keeping fish alive.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
To induce or try to induce by sheer force of will
We willed the sun to come out.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
An enclosed space for receiving and holding something, such as the wheels of an airplane when retracted.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
To order to direct in a legal will
She willed that her money be given to charity.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
To wish; desire
Do what you will. Sit here if you will. See Usage Note at shall.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
(auxiliary) Used to express the future tense, sometimes with some implication of volition when used in the first person. Compare shall.
One of our salesmen will visit you tomorrow.
I will pass this exam.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
(auxiliary) To be able to, to have the capacity to.
Unfortunately, only one of these gloves will actually fit over my hand.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
(auxiliary) Expressing a present tense with some conditional or subjective weakening: "will turn out to", "must by inference".
He will be home by now. He always gets home before 6 o'clock.
I can't find my umbrella. I will have forgotten it home this morning.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
(auxiliary) To choose or agree to (do something); used to express intention but without any temporal connotations (+ bare infinitive), often in questions and negation.
Will you marry me?
I’ve told him three times, but he won’t take his medicine.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
(transitive) To bequeath (something) to someone in one's will (legal document).
He willed his stamp collection to the local museum.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
(transitive) To exert one's force of will (intention) in order to compel, or attempt to compel, something to happen or someone to do something.
All the fans were willing their team to win the game.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
One's independent faculty of choice; the ability to be able to exercise one's choice or intention.
Of course, man's will is often regulated by his reason.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
The act of choosing to do something; a person’s conscious intent or volition.
Most creatures have a will to live.
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Oct 19, 2023
Well
To a suitable or appropriate degree
This product will answer your needs equally well.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
One's intention or decision; someone's orders or commands.
Eventually I submitted to my parents' will.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
(law) A formal declaration of one's intent concerning the disposal of one's property and holdings after death; the legal document stating such wishes.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
(archaic) Desire, longing. (Now generally merged with later senses.)
He felt a great will to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
The power of choosing; the faculty or endowment of the soul by which it is capable of choosing; the faculty or power of the mind by which we decide to do or not to do; the power or faculty of preferring or selecting one of two or more objects.
It is necessary to form a distinct notion of what is meant by the word "volition" in order to understand the import of the word will, for this last word expresses the power of mind of which "volition" is the act.
Will is an ambiguous word, being sometimes put for the faculty of willing; sometimes for the act of that faculty, besides [having] other meanings. But "volition" always signifies the act of willing, and nothing else.
Appetite is the will's solicitor, and the will is appetite's controller; what we covet according to the one, by the other we often reject.
The will is plainly that by which the mind chooses anything.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
The choice which is made; a determination or preference which results from the act or exercise of the power of choice; a volition.
The word "will," however, is not always used in this its proper acceptation, but is frequently substituted for "volition", as when I say that my hand mover in obedience to my will.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
The choice or determination of one who has authority; a decree; a command; discretionary pleasure.
Thy will be done.
Our prayers should be according to the will of God.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
Strong wish or inclination; desire; purpose.
My poverty, but not my will, consents; . . . Put this in any liquid thing you will,And drink it off.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
That which is strongly wished or desired.
What's your will, good friar?
The mariner hath his will.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
Used to introduce a remark, resume a narrative, or fill a pause during conversation.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
Arbitrary disposal; power to control, dispose, or determine.
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
The legal declaration of a person's mind as to the manner in which he would have his property or estate disposed of after his death; the written instrument, legally executed, by which a man makes disposition of his estate, to take effect after his death; testament; devise. See the Note under Testament, 1.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
(manner) Accurately, competently, satisfactorily.
He does his job well.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
To wish; to desire; to incline to have.
A wife as of herself no thing ne sholde [should]Wille in effect, but as her husband wolde [would].
Caleb said unto her, What will thou ?
They would none of my counsel.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
As an auxiliary, will is used to denote futurity dependent on the verb. Thus, in first person, "I will" denotes willingness, consent, promise; and when "will" is emphasized, it denotes determination or fixed purpose; as, I will go if you wish; I will go at all hazards. In the second and third persons, the idea of distinct volition, wish, or purpose is evanescent, and simple certainty is appropriately expressed; as, "You will go," or "He will go," describes a future event as a fact only. To emphasize will denotes (according to the tone or context) certain futurity or fixed determination.
I am able to devote as much time and attention to other subjects as I will [shall] be under the necessity of doing next winter.
A countryman, telling us what he had seen, remarked that if the conflagration went on, as it was doing, we would [should] have, as our next season's employment, the Old Town of Edinburgh to rebuild.
I feel assured that I will [shall] not have the misfortune to find conflicting views held by one so enlightened as your excellency.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
(degree) To a significant degree.
That author is well known.
A monument well worth seeing
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
To be willing; to be inclined or disposed; to be pleased; to wish; to desire.
And behold, there came a leper and worshiped him, saying, Lord if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus . . . touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
To form a distinct volition of; to determine by an act of choice; to ordain; to decree.
By all law and reason, that which the Parliament will not, is no more established in this kingdom.
Two things he [God] willeth, that we should be good, and that we should be happy.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
In a desirable manner; so as one could wish; satisfactorily; favourably; advantageously.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
To enjoin or command, as that which is determined by an act of volition; to direct; to order.
They willed me say so, madam.
Send for music,And will the cooks to use their best of cunningTo please the palate.
As you go, will the lord mayor . . . To attend our further pleasure presently.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
To give or direct the disposal of by testament; to bequeath; to devise; as, to will one's estate to a child; also, to order or direct by testament; as, he willed that his nephew should have his watch.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
To exercise an act of volition; to choose; to decide; to determine; to decree.
At Winchester he lies, so himself willed.
He that shall turn his thoughts inward upon what passes in his own mind when he wills.
I contend for liberty as it signifies a power in man to do as he wills or pleases.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
The capability of conscious choice and decision and intention;
The exercise of their volition we construe as revolt
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
A fixed and persistent intent or purpose;
Where there's a will there's a way
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
A legal document declaring a person's wishes regarding the disposal of their property when they die
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
A hole sunk into the ground as a source of water, oil, natural gas or other fluids.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
A small depression suitable for holding liquid or other objects.
Make a well in the dough mixture and pour in the milk.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Will
Leave or give by will after one's death;
My aunt bequeathed me all her jewelry
My grandfather left me his entire estate
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
(nautical) A vertical passage in the stern into which an auxiliary screw propeller may be drawn up out of the water.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
(military) A hole or excavation in the earth, in mining, from which run branches or galleries.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
(architecture) An opening through the floors of a building, as for a staircase or an elevator; a wellhole.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
The open space between the bench and the counsel tables in a courtroom.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
(metalworking) The lower part of a furnace, into which the metal falls.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
(video games) The playfield of Tetris and similar video games, into which the blocks fall.
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Oct 19, 2023
Well
(biology) In a microtiter plate, each of the small equal circular or square sections which serve as test tubes.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
(intransitive) To issue forth, as water from the earth; to flow; to spring.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
(intransitive) To have something seep out of the surface.
Her eyes welled with tears.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
An issue of water from the earth; a spring; a fountain.
Begin, then, sisters of the sacred well.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
Fig.: A source of supply; fountain; wellspring.
Dan Chaucer, well of English undefiled.
A well of serious thought and pure.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
A hole or excavation in the earth, in mining, from which run branches or galleries.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
An opening through the floors of a building, as for a staircase or an elevator; a wellhole.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
In a good or proper manner; justly; rightly; not ill or wickedly.
If thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
Fully or about; - used with numbers.
Well nine and twenty in a company.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
Considerably; not a little; far.
Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
Being in favor; favored; fortunate.
He followed the fortunes of that family, and was well with Henry the Fourth.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
A deep hole or shaft dug or drilled to obtain water or oil or gas or brine
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
Wise or advantageous and hence advisable;
It would be well to start early
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
Favorably; with approval;
Their neighbors spoke well of them
He thought well of the book
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
With prudence or propriety;
You would do well to say nothing more
Could not well refuse
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
In a manner affording benefit or advantage;
She married well
The children were settled advantageously in Seattle
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
In financial comfort;
They live well
She has been able to live comfortably since her husband died
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
Without unusual distress or resentment; with good humor;
Took the joke well
Took the tragic news well
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Well
As a noun, "well" is a water source
The village relies on the well for water
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is "will" used only in affirmative sentences?
No, it's used in questions and negative sentences too.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Can "well" be used as an adjective?
Yes, it can describe something satisfactory or in good condition.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Is "well" always an adverb?
No, it can be an adverb, noun, adjective, or interjection.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Is "will" always about the future?
Yes, it typically indicates future actions or intentions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Does "will" indicate certainty?
It suggests intention or probability, not certainty.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Is "will" used in conditional sentences?
Yes, often in the main clause of conditional sentences.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Does "will" have a past tense form?
No, it's used for future tense or present habits.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Does "well" always mean something positive?
Mostly, but context can change its meaning.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
Does "well" have synonyms?
Yes, like "adequately" or "properly" when used as an adverb.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 09, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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