noun
weal
The well-being of a person or community.
The council puts the public weal ahead of private interests.
Etymology
The Old English word already names well-being and prosperity. It survives especially in expressions concerning the common good.
More examples
- He devotes his fortune to the weal of his neighbors.
- Their decisions affect the common weal.
- She works for the weal of her family.
Forms
weal
Similar words
- welfare
- More usual today for people's health, happiness, and living conditions.
- prosperity
- Emphasizes material success and abundance rather than overall well-being.