The compound adjective 'well-regarded' is a relatively modern English formation, built from native Germanic and borrowed Romance elements. The adverb 'well' derives from Old English wel, related to 'will' and conveying the sense of 'according to one's wish' or 'satisfactorily'. The verb 'regard' entered English from Old French regarder ('to look back at, watch'), itself from a Germanic root (wardōn) meaning 'to guard or watch'. The '-ed' suffix, of Germanic origin, creates a participial adjective describing the state of being highly considered or looked upon favorably. Thus, the literal logic of 'looked upon well' evolved seamlessly into its modern abstract meaning of being held in high esteem.

Structure: well (in a good manner) + regard (consider) + ed (adjective suffix) - well: Old English; an adverb used here in a compounding function to mean 'in a good or proper manner'. - regard: Old French (regarder); a verb root meaning 'to look at, consider'. - ed: Old English; a suffix forming participial adjectives indicating a state or condition.