interjection

very well

VEH-ree WEL

Very well (interjection) means used to say that you agree or consent, often reluctantly, and will go along with what has been proposed. Example: “Very well, we'll do it your way.”

interjection

Used to say that you agree or consent, often reluctantly, and will go along with what has been proposed.

"Very well, we'll do it your way."

"'Then I resign.' 'Very well. I accept.'"

adverb

In a highly satisfactory or skilful manner.

"She speaks Japanese very well."

"The talks went very well."

In good health or good spirits. Usually found in negatives and questions.

"He hasn't been very well since the operation."

How to use very well

Learner’s notes

In plain English'Fine, I agree' — or, describing an action, done really well.

When to use it

The agreement sense is formal or clipped; it can sound curt if said flatly.

Memory tip

'You know very well' means 'you know perfectly well' and usually introduces an accusation.

Easily confused with

very good → well → quite well

Common pairings

very well then doing very well knows very well may very well

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Test yourself on “very well” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____, we'll do it your way.

Synonyms

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all right fine so be it as you wish excellently admirably skilfully healthy

Antonyms

badly poorly unwell ill

Related words

good fine beautiful OK green seriously completely sick

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'very well' and 'okay'?

Both accept a proposal, but very well is more formal and often carries a hint of resignation, as though you are giving in. Okay is neutral and casual, and implies no reluctance at all.

Does 'very well' sound old-fashioned?

As a reply meaning 'agreed', slightly — it belongs to formal speech, service settings and period drama. As an adverb of manner, 'she did very well', it is completely ordinary modern English.

Can I say 'I am very well, thank you'?

Yes. It is the standard polite answer to 'How are you?', a little more formal than 'I'm fine, thanks'. Note that it is well, not good, when you are describing health.

What is the meaning of very well?

"very well" (interjection) means used to say that you agree or consent, often reluctantly, and will go along with what has been proposed.

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