adjective
very good
VEH-ree GUD
Very good (adjective) means of a high standard, clearly better than average but short of excellent. Example: “The food was very good, though the service was slow.”
adjective
1
Of a high standard, clearly better than average but short of excellent.
"The food was very good, though the service was slow."
"She is a very good swimmer for her age."
interjection
1
formal Used to signal that you accept an instruction or agree to do as asked, often formally or by a servant, soldier or subordinate.
"'Bring the car round at six.' 'Very good, sir.'"
How to use very good
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBetter than average, but not the best.
When to use it
Neutral as praise. As an interjection meaning 'yes, I'll do it' it sounds formal or old-fashioned.
Memory tip
In formal writing, prefer one strong adjective to 'very good' — it reads as vague.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
very good at
very good news
very good value
that's very good
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The food was _____, though the service was slow.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for very good
See all rhymes for very good →Frequently asked questions
Is very good stronger than good?
Yes, but not by much. Very good sits above good and below excellent, outstanding or superb. In reviews and school reports it usually signals solid quality with some room left at the top.
What can I say instead of very good?
Choose a single stronger word rather than adding 'very': excellent, superb, outstanding, first-rate, terrific or exceptional. Writers are generally advised to replace very plus an adjective with one precise adjective.
Is 'very good' rude when someone says it to you?
It can be, depending on tone. Said warmly it is praise; said flatly to an adult it can sound like a teacher congratulating a child, which comes across as condescending.
What is the meaning of very good?
"very good" (adjective) means of a high standard, clearly better than average but short of excellent.
