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adv

very

VEH-ree
adv
1
Used before an adjective or adverb to intensify it — to a high degree.
"The soup was very hot."
"She works very quickly under pressure."
adj
1
Used to emphasise that something is exactly the thing being referred to, with no doubt about it.
"This is the very book I was looking for."

How to Use Very

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA word used to strengthen an adjective or adverb, or to point at the exact thing meant.

Common pairings
very good very much the very idea

Word Forms

verier comparative, veriest superlative

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The soup was _____ hot.

Etymology

From Old French verai ("true"), ultimately from Latin verus ("true") — it originally meant "truly" before softening into a general intensifier.

Related Words

Rhymes for very

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