How Do You Spell WELL ENOUGH?

Pronunciation: [wˈɛl ɪnˈʌf] (IPA)

The spelling of "well enough" is straightforward once you understand the phonetic transcription. /wɛl ɪˈnʌf/ indicates that the first word, "well," is pronounced with an open-mid front unrounded vowel followed by an unvoiced dental fricative. The second word, "enough," is pronounced with a mid-central vowel followed by a voiceless velar plosive and an unvoiced labiodental fricative. When combined, these two words create the phrase "well enough," meaning in a satisfactory manner. Mastering the phonetic transcription can assist with proper spelling and pronunciation of this phrase.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
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WELL ENOUGH Meaning and Definition

  1. Well enough is an idiomatic phrase used to describe a satisfactory or acceptable level of performance, knowledge, or ability. It implies that something is done adequately or sufficiently, but not exceptionally or remarkably. The term implies a level of competence or understanding that meets the minimum requirements or expectations but may lack excellence or perfection.

    In terms of performance, well enough suggests a satisfactory outcome that may not be the best possible, but is deemed sufficient. For example, if someone says they did well enough on a test, it means they obtained a passable grade, although it may not have been outstanding.

    Regarding knowledge or understanding, well enough implies an adequate grasp of a subject or concept. It suggests that an individual possesses a satisfactory level of comprehension, although they may not be considered an expert. For instance, if someone claims to know a topic well enough, it implies they possess a basic understanding that allows them to function efficiently, but they may not be extensively knowledgeable in the subject.

    Overall, well enough indicates a level of proficiency that satisfies the expected or required standards, without necessarily exceeding them. It conveys a sense of adequacy or competence, indicating that something has been done or understood sufficiently, but does not necessarily highlight exceptionalism or surpassing expectations.

  2. Good in a moderate degree.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for WELL ENOUGH

  • wellenough
  • qell enough
  • aell enough
  • sell enough
  • eell enough
  • 3ell enough
  • 2ell enough
  • wwll enough
  • wsll enough
  • wdll enough
  • wrll enough
  • w4ll enough
  • w3ll enough
  • wekl enough
  • wepl enough
  • weol enough
  • welk enough
  • welp enough
  • welo enough
  • well wnough

Etymology of WELL ENOUGH

The phrase "well enough" consists of two words: "well" and "enough".

The word "well" originated from the Old English word "wel", which means "in a good or satisfactory manner". It has Germanic origins and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "welaz". Over time, it evolved to its modern form in Middle English.

The word "enough" comes from the Old English word "genōg", which means "sufficient" or "adequate". It also has Germanic roots and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "ganogaz".

When combined, "well enough" indicates an adequate or satisfactory level or state of something.

Idioms with the word WELL ENOUGH

  • leave well enough alone The idiom "leave well enough alone" means to not try to change or improve something that is already functioning adequately or satisfactorily. It suggests that sometimes it is best to avoid unnecessary meddling or interference, as it might cause more harm than good.
  • let well enough alone The idiom "let well enough alone" means to avoid making unnecessary changes or improvements to something that is already satisfactory or functioning adequately. It suggests that it is better to leave things as they are, rather than risk making them worse by meddling or intervening unnecessarily.