well done

/ˌwel ˈdʌn/
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Praise for work done well, or a description of fully cooked meat.

Examples

  • The burger was well done, not pink in the middle.
  • I would like my steak well done, please.
  • The teacher smiled and said, "Well done!"
  • She prefers beef well done.
  • "How would you like the steak?" "Well done."

Similar words

thoroughly cooked
fully cooked
bravo
good job
nice work

Meanings

Praise for success

social
neutral
Said to praise someone for doing something successfully.

Examples

  • You passed the test? Well done!
  • Well done on finishing your race.
  • The teacher smiled and said, "Well done!"
  • "I made this cake myself." "Well done!"
  • Everyone clapped and shouted, "Well done!"

Similar words

Fully cooked meat

food
neutral
Cooked all the way through, with no pink part left inside, especially of meat.

Examples

  • I would like my steak well done, please.
  • The burger was well done, not pink in the middle.
  • She prefers beef well done.
  • "How would you like the steak?" "Well done."
  • The chicken must be well done before we eat it.

Similar words

Etymology

Well means in a good or complete way, and done means completed. The phrase praises a completed action or describes thorough cooking.

FAQ

What does well done mean after a test?

It praises someone for doing well.

What does well done mean for steak?

It means cooked all the way through.

Is well done polite praise?

Yes. It is a friendly way to recognize a success.

Is well done the same as rare for meat?

No. Rare meat is only lightly cooked inside.

Can I say well done to a child?

Yes. Adults often use it to praise children, and it works for anyone.

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