well-meaning

[ wel-mee-ning ]
/ ˈwɛlˈmi nɪŋ /

adjective

meaning or intending well; having good intentions: a well-meaning but tactless person.
Also well-meant [wel-ment] /ˈwɛlˈmɛnt/. proceeding from good intentions: Her well-meaning words were received in silence.

QUIZZES

DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

"The Handmaid's Tale" was required reading for many of us in school. Everyone else has probably watched the very popular and addictive TV show. Do you remember this vocabulary from the book, and do you know what these terms mean?
Question 1 of 10
decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
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Origin of well-meaning

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Words nearby well-meaning

well-man, well-managed, well-mannered, well-marked, well-matched, well-meaning, well-merited, well-met, well-mixed, well-motivated, well-nigh
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for well-meaning

British Dictionary definitions for well-meaning

well-meaning

adjective (well meaning when postpositive)

having or indicating good or benevolent intentions, usually with unfortunate results
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012