What does "well-formed" mean?
Correctly written; syntactically correct; expressed in a way that obeys rules for constructing formulas in a certain language.
Well-formed
adj
adj ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Correctly written; syntactically correct; expressed in a way that obeys rules for constructing formulas in a certain language.
- Grammar: well-formed is listed as adj.
- Nearest alternatives: agreeable, becoming, bonny, braw.
- Useful contrasts: ill-formed.
- Usage evidence: A good translator is one who, akin to a worm, can squirm with delight around in the author's brain mass, and leave through the tongue to have its taste impressions confirmed, and then leave well-formed traces on paper line after line, sheet after sheet, until the last page is done — and he once again returns to his former self, and as a member of the smallest and least respected low-salary group, signs up yet again to exert his effort for God's representative on earth, the publishers.
How to use "well-formed"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "well-formed" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "well-formed" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "well-formed" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "well-formed" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "well-formed" is acting as adj in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "agreeable" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "well-formed", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Adjective
- 1 Correctly written; syntactically correct; expressed in a way that obeys rules for constructing formulas in a certain language.
"If the parser says it is good, then it must be well-formed and is part of the language."
Adjective
- 1 conforming to the rules of grammar or usage accepted by native speakers wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"A good translator is one who, akin to a worm, can squirm with delight around in the author's brain mass, and leave through the tongue to have its taste impressions confirmed, and then leave well-formed traces on paper line after line, sheet after sheet, until the last page is done — and he once again returns to his former self, and as a member of the smallest and least respected low-salary group, signs up yet again to exert his effort for God's representative on earth, the publishers."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "well-formed"?
Common synonyms include: agreeable, becoming, bonny, braw, built, buxom.
How do you use "well-formed" in a sentence?
A good translator is one who, akin to a worm, can squirm with delight around in the author's brain mass, and leave through the tongue to have its taste impressions confirmed, and then leave well-formed traces on paper line after line, sheet after sheet, until the last page is done — and he once again returns to his former self, and as a member of the smallest and least respected low-salary group, signs up yet again to exert his effort for God's representative on earth, the publishers.