well-intentioned
Meaning
having or showing good intentions, even if the results are not always good
Structure
Usage
he made a well-intentioned but ultimately misguided attempt to help.
the new policy was a well-intentioned effort to reduce inequality.
i appreciate your well-intentioned advice, but i have to handle this my own way.
Etymology
The compound adjective "well-intentioned" is a relatively Modern English formation, built from native and Latinate components. The adverb "well," of Germanic origin, has consistently meant "in a good manner" since Old English. "intention" entered English in the late Middle Ages from Latin intentio, which itself derives from the verb intendere ("to stretch toward, aim at"), combining in- ("toward") and tendere ("to stretch"). The suffix "-ed" is the standard English adjectival suffix indicating possession of a quality. Therefore, the word's literal construction is "having a purpose that is aimed at in a good way," which perfectly captures its modern meaning of meaning to do good, regardless of the outcome.
Analysis
- well: from old english wel, meaning "in a good way, properly, satisfactorily." functions as an adverb modifying the following element. - intention: from latin intentio (a stretching out, purpose), via old french. the core morpheme tent relates to stretching. functions as the core noun denoting purpose or aim. - ed: from old english -ede, -od, -ad, a suffix forming adjectives from nouns, meaning "having, provided with."