The compound adjective 'well-taken' is a relatively modern formation, emerging from the straightforward combination of the common adverb 'well' and the past participle 'taken'. The logic is transparent: an argument or point that is 'well taken' is one that has been accepted or received in a good or favorable manner because it is sound. This figurative use of 'take' to mean 'understand or accept' (as in 'take a point') dates to the Middle English period. Thus, the term elegantly encapsulates the notion of a statement being so logically sound or aptly made that it merits immediate and favorable acceptance.

Structure: well (in a good manner) + taken (accepted) 'well' is from Old English 'wel', an adverb meaning 'in a good manner, satisfactorily'. 'taken' is the past participle of the verb 'take', from Old English 'tacan' (to grasp, seize), of North Germanic origin.