Very

Definition

Very is an adverb used to emphasize the degree of an adjective, adverb, or verb. It can also function as an adjective meaning "exact" or "precise."

Parts of Speech

• Adverb
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvɛr.i/
• Respelling: VER-ee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈvɛr.i/
• Respelling: VER-ee

Etymology

The word "very" originates from Middle English "verray," meaning "true," derived from Anglo-French "verrai," and Latin "verax," meaning "truthful" or "genuine." Its modern use as an intensifier began in the 14th century.

Derivatives

• Verily (adverb)
• Veryness (noun, rare)
• Oververy (adverb, rare)
• Unvery (adjective, informal)
• Verying (verb, rare)

Synonyms

• Extremely
• Truly
• Absolutely

Antonyms

• None

Usage

As an adverb, "very" intensifies the degree of a quality or state. For example, "She is very happy."

As an adjective, "very" specifies precision. For example, "This is the very place we met."

Related Terms

• Extremely: To a very great degree.
• Utterly: Completely and without qualification.
• Truly: In an accurate or exact manner.

Detailed Definitions

Adverb

• To a high degree or extent: Emphasizes the intensity of an adjective, adverb, or verb.
  • Example: "The book is very interesting."
• To an exact or precise degree: Refers to something being specifically what is described.
  • Example: "The answer was very clear."

Adjective

• Exact or precise: Used to emphasize the identity or importance of something.
  • Example: "This is the very key we were looking for."