well-meant
well-meant — adjective
1. describes words or actions offered with good intentions, even when the result is
describes words or actions offered with good intentions, even when the result is not helpful or causes harm.
Diya's well-meant advice about money only made her brother feel ashamed.
collocation: well-meant advice
João accepted the well-meant criticism, though the suggestion itself was unworkable.
Even well-meant comments from close friends can sting when you are feeling low.
Yan's well-meant attempt to fix the sink left the kitchen flooded.
The well-meant gift sat unused because it was the wrong size entirely.
- well-intentioned
almost identical in meaning; slightly more formal and can describe both people and actions
- well-meaning
very close; more commonly used for people, but applies to actions as well
- benevolent
more formal; suggests a generous or charitable nature, often used for institutions or powerful figures
- malicious
done with the intention of causing harm or distress
- ill-intentioned
having or showing bad intentions; more formal
用法筆記
This adjective describes actions, words, or gestures — not people. To describe a person, use 'well-meaning' or 'well-intentioned' instead.