Phrase guide

do well

verb · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see do, well.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • He tries hard to tell a good joke but, alas, he does not do it well.
  • I did well on the first part of the exam, but totally messed up on the essay question.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To take the prudent approach; to be advised.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: with-infinitive

Examples

  • He would do well to listen more carefully to his wife.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To benefit, to favour.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The company did well by his family after he died.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To succeed; to flourish.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

act in one's own or everybody's best interest

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • You will do well to arrive on time tomorrow!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: had best

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: act, move

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Danish: gøre klogt i — to take prudent approach; to be advised
  • Danish: gøre ret i — to take prudent approach; to be advised