well-meaning

/ˌwel ˈmiːnɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌwel ˈmiːnɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈwel-ˈmē-niŋ How to pronounce well-meaning (audio)/ (ame, mw)

well-meaning — adjective

1. trying to be kind or helpful, even though the action may not solve the problem a

1.形容詞B2
釋義

trying to be kind or helpful, even though the action may not solve the problem and can sometimes create a new one.

例句

The well-meaning neighbour kept giving Valentina parenting advice she had not asked for.

well-meaning + person giving unwanted advice

Mira's well-meaning joke upset her brother on the morning of the funeral.

同義詞
  • well-intentioned

    closest synonym; slightly more formal and common in careful writing

  • kind

    broader and more positive; does not suggest the help may be unwanted or ineffective

  • thoughtful

    suggests careful attention to another person's needs, so it often sounds more successful than well-meaning

反義詞
  • malicious

    opposite in motive; intended to harm rather than help

  • mean-spirited

    emphasises unkindness in tone or behaviour rather than a failed attempt to help

文法句型

well-meaning + noun

be + well-meaning

well-meaning, but + clause

用法筆記

Often describes advice, offers, comments, or actions that come from kindness but ignore what the other person actually wants. It commonly appears in contrast patterns such as 'well-meaning, but...' to highlight the gap between motive and effect.

常見錯誤

❌My boss was well-meaning to help me.
✅My boss was well-meaning, but his advice did not help me.
💡'well-meaning' describes a person's intention or action; it is not followed by an infinitive.
❌The medicine is well-meaning.
✅The doctor was well-meaning when she prescribed the medicine.
💡use 'well-meaning' for people, remarks, offers, or actions based on good intentions, not for objects with no intention.