The spelling of "doeth well" may seem unusual to those unfamiliar with older forms of English, but it follows the standard rules of phonetic transcription. In IPA symbols, the pronunciation of "doeth" is /dʌθ/, with a theta representing the voiced dental fricative sound in the middle. Similarly, "well" is pronounced as /wɛl/, with a distinct vowel sound in the second syllable. Together, this phrase conveys the meaning of doing something skillfully or successfully.
"Doeth well" is a phrase that originates from Old English and is used to describe a person's actions or behavior, particularly when they are commendable, virtuous, or beneficial in nature. It essentially means performing good deeds or engaging in actions that contribute positively to oneself or others.
The word "doeth" is derived from the verb "do," which means to perform or execute an action. The addition of the suffix "-eth" in "doeth" is a conjugation used in older forms of English to denote the third person singular form, similar to "does" in contemporary English.
When someone "doeth well," they are engaging in behaviors that are praiseworthy, morally upright, or beneficial. This can encompass a wide range of actions, such as acts of kindness, charity, honesty, or any form of assistance or support to others. It can also refer to personal achievements, such as excelling in one's field, maintaining high moral standards, or consistently making ethical decisions.
Furthermore, "doeth well" can be associated with the concept of living a righteous or virtuous life, in which one consistently chooses to act in ways that promote the well-being and happiness of oneself and others. It signifies a person's commitment to contribute positively to society, make a difference in the lives of others, and strive for excellence in their endeavors. Overall, "doeth well" embodies the idea of actively engaging in actions that yield positive outcomes, both for oneself and the wider community.
The phrase doeth well is not a word by itself but a combination of two separate words.
1. Doeth is the third person singular present tense of the archaic verb do. In Early Modern English (the era from the late 15th to the late 17th century), the verb do had irregular conjugations, and doeth was used instead of does to indicate the action of a third person singular subject.
2. Well is an Old English adverb that means in a good, excellent, or satisfactory manner. It has Germanic roots and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages.
When combined, doeth well simply means does good or performs satisfactorily.