very

very

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "very" is /ˈvɛr.i/.

• /ˈvɛr/

• /i/

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Word Form Variations

• Adverb: very (no comparative/superlative forms)

• Adjective: very (no comparative/superlative forms)

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Adverb

• Definition 1: To a great extent or degree; extremely. Used to intensify adjectives, adverbs, or nouns.

• Synonyms: extremely, exceedingly, exceptionally, highly, deeply, truly, really (informal)

• Antonyms: slightly, somewhat, moderately, barely, scarcely, a little

• Definition 2: Exactly (used for emphasis, often with "much").

• Synonyms: precisely, exactly, perfectly, indeed, truly

• Antonyms: approximately, vaguely, roughly, loosely

Adjective

• Definition 1: Actual, real, or genuine; true. Used to emphasize the identity of someone or something.

• Synonyms: actual, real, genuine, true, authentic, absolute

• Antonyms: fake, artificial, false, simulated, pretended, imagined

• Definition 2: Extreme; greatest possible. Used for emphasis.

• Synonyms: ultimate, utmost, absolute, sheer, complete, exact

• Antonyms: slight, minimal, partial, inadequate

• Definition 3: Same; identical. Used for emphasis.

• Synonyms: identical, selfsame, very same, identical

• Antonyms: different, distinct, unlike, separate

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Examples of Use

Books:

• "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." (Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, 1859) - This classic opening implicitly describes something as "very" good and "very" bad.

• "She felt a very strong urge to run away, but duty held her firm." (Fictional example from a dramatic novel)

• "The book presents the very latest research on climate change, offering a comprehensive overview." (From a non-fiction scientific text)

Newspapers:

• "President Ruto expressed his very deep gratitude for the support from international partners." (Daily Nation)

• "The new economic policies face a very challenging period ahead, say analysts." (Business Daily Africa)

• "The weather forecast predicts a very hot day for Nairobi tomorrow." (The Standard)

Online Publications:

• "Our ultimate guide to the very best safari experiences in Kenya: From the Maasai Mara to Amboseli." (An article on a travel blog, e.g., Magical Kenya)

• "This new software update is very easy to install, even for beginners." (A tech tutorial on "CNET)

• "The comments section became very heated after the controversial article was published." (A news article describing online discourse, e.g., The Verge)

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Film: "I've got a bad feeling about this." (Star Wars, 1977) - This implies a "very" strong negative intuition.

• Television Series: "Our hero found himself in a very difficult situation, with no easy way out." (Narration from an action or suspense series)

• Song Lyrics: "And she's a very kinky girl, the kind you don't take home to mother." (The Kinks, "Lola," 1970)

• Video Games: "Your choices will have very serious consequences for the outcome of the game." (In-game warning or tutorial, e.g., Mass Effect)

• Podcasts: "In this episode, we explore the very origins of human language and communication." (A podcast on linguistics or anthropology, e.g., The History of English Podcast)

General Public Discourse:

• "I'm very happy to see you!" (A common greeting)

• "This tea is very hot; be careful!" (A common warning)

• "It's a very important meeting, so don't be late." (Emphasizing significance)

• "She's very good at playing chess." (Praising a skill)

• "I felt very tired after my long journey." (Describing a physical state)

• "This is the very same book I was looking for!" (Emphasizing identity)

• "He gave me a very stern look." (Describing an expression)

• "Thank you very much." (A common expression of gratitude)

• "I am very sorry." (A common apology)

• "It's a very small amount." (Describing quantity)

• "The very idea is preposterous." (Emphasizing an idea)

• "He is the very image of his father." (Describing resemblance)

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10 Quotes Using Very

1. "A very merry unbirthday to you!" (Alice in Wonderland, 1951)

2. "I'm very sorry, Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that." (HAL 9000 in 2001: A Space Odyssey, 1968)

3. "It is a very dangerous business, Frodo, stepping out your door." (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, 1954)

4. "The truth is rarely pure and never simple." (Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895) - This implies that truth is a "very" complex matter.

5. "I am a very good runner." (Lesser-known, but often found in sports contexts or self-affirmation)

6. "You are a very special person." (Common phrase of compliment, widely used)

7. "We are continually faced with great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems." (Lee Iacocca) - This suggests that opportunities are often "very" well disguised.

8. "My mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." (Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump in Forrest Gump, 1994) - This implies that life is "very" unpredictable.

9. "He has a very distinctive style." (Common descriptive phrase for someone with a unique quality)

10. "A little learning is a dangerous thing." (Alexander Pope, An Essay on Criticism, 1711) - This implies that a little learning can be "very" dangerous.

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Etymology

The word "very" has a fascinating journey through languages, starting from Latin and becoming a strong intensifier in English.

It comes from the Old French word verai.

• This Old French word meant "true," "real," or "genuine."

• Verai, in turn, came from the Latin word vērum, which also meant "true" or "that which is true." This is related to vērus, meaning "true" or "real."

So, the literal meaning embedded in the word is "truly" or "in truth."

When "very" first entered the English language, in the late 13th century (around 1275), its initial meaning was primarily "true," "real," or "genuine" (as an adjective). For example, you might have heard "the very same person" meaning "the actual person."

It was only later, by the late 14th century, that "very" started to be used as an adverb to intensify adjectives or other adverbs, meaning "to a great degree" or "extremely" (e.g., "very good"). This adverbial use gradually became its most common function, but its original sense of "truth" or "reality" is still present in some phrases.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Very

• The very idea!: An exclamation expressing strong disapproval or shock about a suggestion.

• The very thought of (something): Just the idea of something, used to emphasize its impact.

• The very same: Exactly identical; no different at all.

• Very well: Used to express agreement or resignation.

• Very much so: Strongly; definitely.

• Very good/bad/happy etc.: Common intensifier for adjectives.

• Very truly yours: A formal closing in a letter, emphasizing sincerity.

• Very little/few: A small quantity or number.

• At the very least: No less than; at a minimum.

• The very essence: The fundamental or intrinsic nature of something. (Synonymous with "the true core").

• From the very beginning: From the absolute start; right from the outset.

• On the very edge: At the extreme boundary or limit. (Synonymous with "precariously close").

• The absolute truth: The complete and undeniable reality. (Synonymous with "the very truth").

• To be keenly aware: To have a strong and sharp understanding. (Synonymous with being "very" aware).

• The sheer audacity: Complete and utter boldness. (Synonymous with "the very audacity").

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of very from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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