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Welled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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welled

[wɛld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

emotion or water

The term 'welled' is the past tense form of the verb 'well,' which means to rise to the surface or to flow forth, typically as a liquid. It is often used in emotional contexts to describe tears or feelings that come to the surface, as in 'tears welled up in her eyes.' Additionally, it can describe water accumulating or overflowing from a source. This word invokes a sense of an overflowing emotion or fluid that cannot be contained.

Synonyms

burst, overflowed, rose, surged.

Examples of usage

  • Tears welled in his eyes.
  • The spring welled up after the rain.
  • Emotions welled within her heart.
  • The river welled over its banks.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In poetry, 'welling up' often describes strong emotions, like joy or sorrow, as if they are bubbling from a source deep inside.
  • Famous poets like William Wordsworth used similar imagery to express nature and human emotion as interlinked and overflowing.
  • The concept is frequently used in song lyrics to convey deep feelings of love or loss, making it relatable to listeners.

Psychology

  • 'Welling' can represent emotional processes, where feelings such as sadness or happiness manifest and physically affect us, like tears of joy or grief.
  • Research shows when people express deep emotions, they often report a physical sensation of something welling up inside them.
  • Some therapeutic practices encourage 'welling up' emotions as a way to process and release feelings that have been bottled up.

Nature

  • The 'welling' of water from groundwater sources into springs is a vital process for many ecosystems, providing habitat and hydration.
  • Natural springs often create the illusion of water welling forth from the earth, showing the beauty of the water cycle.
  • In gardening, the concept of wells can relate to plants drawing moisture from the ground, demonstrating life’s resilience.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'welling up' is common in movies and music, often used in emotional scenes to show characters expressing deep feelings.
  • Songs that discuss 'welling up' emotions often resonate with listeners due to their relatable themes of love and heartbreak.
  • Social media influencers use the term to describe moments when they feel overwhelmed with gratitude or joy.

Origin of 'welled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'welling' comes from the Old English term 'wellan', which means 'to bubble up or rise'.
  • In Middle English, it was used to describe water that rises from a spring.
  • It has been used in poetic contexts for centuries to describe emotions rising up within.

The word 'well' originates from the Old English 'wella', which means a spring or a well of water. It is related to the Proto-Germanic 'waltha' and has cognates in several languages, such as the Old High German 'wella' and the Dutch 'wal'. The verb form 'to well' as in 'to rise or to flow' dates back to Middle English, with its usage becoming more prominent in the 14th century. It initially referred to the action of water emerging from a source but has since expanded to include metaphorical uses, especially in expressing emotions. The past tense 'welled' reflects this evolution, illustrating how language adapts to encompass both tangible and intangible experiences.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,725, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.