Well done Meaning and Definition
Well done
Pronunciation
/ˈwɛldən/
Part of Speech
Phrase
Definition
A phrase used to express approval, praise, or admiration, often in response to a notable achievement or effort.
Examples
- After completing the difficult project, her team was given a round of applause and heard “Well done!” from their manager.
- The athlete was mobbed by fans, who chanted “Well done!” and “Congratulations!” as she stood on the podium.
- After a long and challenging journey, the travelers finally reached the destination, with the leader exclaiming “Well done!” to the team.
- The coach praised the player’s hard work, saying “Well done! You really deserved that goal.”
Etymology
The phrase is derived from Old English “wæl dōn”, meaning “to do well”, and has been in use since the 14th century.
Usage Notes
Well done is often used in formal or semi-formal settings, such as awards ceremonies, presentations, and speeches. However, it can also be used in everyday conversations to express enthusiasm and approval.
Cultural References
The phrase has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television. For example, it is used in Stephen King’s novel “The Shining” to describe the efforts of the hotel’s writer-in-residence.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Good job, Well said, Bravo, Huzzah, and Congratulations are similar idiomatic expressions used to express approval and admiration.
Related Words or Phrases
Better late than never, That’s the spirit, Give it a go, and Chin up are phrases closely related in meaning or usage to Well done.
Collocations
Collocations with Well done include expressions such as “Well done, that is!”, “Well done, you!”, “Well done, team!”, and “Well done, everyone!”
Frequency of Use
The phrase Well done is commonly used, especially in formal or semi-formal settings. According to the Oxford English Corpus, it appears in around 1.5% of utterances.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings and variations include “Weldone”, “Welldone”, and “Weldonee”.