well-formed

[ wel-fawrmd ]

adjective

1. rightly or pleasingly formed:

   a well-formed contour.

2. Linguistics. (of an utterance) conforming to the rules of a language; grammatical ( ill-formed ).

well-formed

adjective

1. logic linguistics (of a formula, expression, etc) constructed in accordance with the syntactic rules of a particular system; grammatically correct

Derived Forms

• well-formedness, noun

Other Words From

• well-form·ed·ness [wel, -, fawr, -mid-nis, -, fawrmd, -], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of well-formed¹

First recorded in 1510–20

Example Sentences

I have well-formed opinions about collagen face masks and laser treatments.

From Los Angeles Times

It easily rolls well-formed orbs that readily release from the scoop.

From Los Angeles Times

The team found that the more well-formed modular networks had large responses to localised light stimulation, while those with less 'modularity' responded to all stimulus in an excessively synchronised way.

From Science Daily

Current rules say the conch must have a well-formed flaring lip to be considered an adult.

From Seattle Times

“My primary concern is to be a well-formed human being and to learn to write, read converse, and think well,” Ms. Richards said.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• grammatical