well-meaning

Also well-in·ten·tioned

[wel-mee-ning]

adjective

1. meaning or intending well; having good intentions.

   a well-meaning but tactless person.

2. Also well-meant proceeding from good intentions.

   Her well-meaning words were received in silence.

well-meaning

adjective

1. having or indicating good or benevolent intentions, usually with unfortunate results

Word History and Origins

Origin of well-meaning¹

A Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400