well-read

well-read — adjective

1. knowing a lot about many different subjects as a result of having read a large n

1.形容詞B2
釋義

knowing a lot about many different subjects as a result of having read a large number of books

例句

Indra is well-read in modern Japanese literature and often recommends novels to friends.

collocation: well-read in + topic/field

The size of the Watanabes' personal library showed they were a remarkably well-read family.

attributive position: a well-read + noun

同義詞
  • widely read

    nearly identical in meaning; slightly more literal about the quantity of reading

  • knowledgeable

    broader — can refer to knowledge gained from any source, not just reading

  • learned

    more formal; implies deep, scholarly understanding often including formal education

  • well-informed

    focuses more on awareness of current events and factual knowledge than broad book learning

反義詞
  • uneducated

    broader: lack of education generally, not specifically from not reading

  • illiterate

    much stronger: unable to read or write at all

文法句型

be well-read

a well-read + noun

well-read in/on + topic

用法筆記

Describes knowledge gained specifically from reading books or other written materials, not from life experience, travel, or formal lectures. Frequently used as a compliment. The comparative forms are usually 'more well-read' or (less commonly) 'better read'.

常見錯誤

❌This novel is well-read around the world.
✅This novel is widely read around the world.
💡'well-read' describes a person, not a book or text.
❌She became well-read by traveling to many countries.
✅She became well-read by reading hundreds of books about history and culture.
💡'well-read' requires reading, not firsthand experience.