very

very
1 /'veri/ adverb
1 (+ adj/adv) used to emphasize an adjective or adverb or to add force to an expression: “Can I help you with those bags?” “Thanks, that's very nice of you.” | It feels very cold up in the bedrooms. | I feel a lot better today thanks very much. | We must be aware of the very real problems that these people face. | The traffic's moving very slowly this morning. | James was very much hoping you'd be able to come to the wedding. | the very same (=used to emphasize the fact that one thing is exactly the same as something else): She was wearing the very same shoes as me.
2 (+ adj) used to emphasize superlative adjectives: We only use the very best ingredients. | He might have told you he wasn't coming at the very least. | This is the very last time I lend you money.
3 your very own used to emphasize the fact that something belongs to one particular person and to no one else: She was thrilled at the idea of having her very own toys to play with.
4 not very
a) used before a quality to mean exactly the opposite of that quality: The teacher wasn't very pleased (=was angry) when she saw a dead mouse on the desk.
b) only slightly: “Was the play interesting?” “Not very.”
2 adjective (only before noun) used to emphasize a noun: He died in this very room. | this very minute (=now): You'd better start doing some work this very minute. | the very thought (=just thinking about something): The very thought of food makes me feel ill. | the very idea! (=used to express shock at what someone says or suggests): Of course you shouldn't travel on your own at that time of night. The very idea! | the very thing (=used to describe an object or idea that is exactly right for a particular purpose): This gadget is the very thing for turning stiff taps.

Longman dictionary of contemporary English. 2004.

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  • very — very, much 1. The uses of very and much as intensifying adverbs are for the most part complementary. Very qualifies adjectives and adverbs (very large / very slowly), whereas much qualifies past participles that are used as adjectives (a much… …   Modern English usage

  • Very — Ver y, a. [Compar. {Verier}; superl. {Veriest}.] [OE. verai, verray, OF. verai, vrai, F. vrai, (assumed) LL. veracus, for L. verax true, veracious, fr. verus true; akin to OHG. & OS. w[=a]r, G. wahr, D. waar; perhaps originally, that is or exists …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Very — Véry Véry Pays  France …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Very — may refer to: * Very, an English adverb, expression of comparative degree. *Very (album) by the Pet Shop Boys *Very (lunar crater) *Very (crater on Mars)People with the surname Very: *Jones Very, poet *Frank Washington Very, astronomer …   Wikipedia

  • Very — Студийный альбом Pet Shop Boys …   Википедия

  • very — [ver′ē] adj. [ME verai, true < OFr < VL * veraius < L verus, true < IE * weros, true < base * wer , to be friendly, true > Ger wahr, true, OE wær, a compact] 1. in the fullest sense; complete; absolute [the very opposite of the… …   English World dictionary

  • Very — Ver y, adv. In a high degree; to no small extent; exceedingly; excessively; extremely; as, a very great mountain; a very bright sum; a very cold day; the river flows very rapidly; he was very much hurt. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Very — puede hacer referencia a: Very, cráter del planeta Marte. Very, cráter de La Luna. Frank Very, astrónomo norteamericano (1852 1927). Very (álbum), un álbum de 1993 de Pet Shop Boys. Esta página de desambiguación cataloga artículos relacionados… …   Wikipedia Español

  • very — [adj] real, exact actual, appropriate, authentic, bare, bona fide, correct, especial, express, genuine, ideal, identical, indubitable, mere, model, perfect, plain, precise, pure, right, same, selfsame, sheer, simple, special, sure enough, true,… …   New thesaurus

  • Véry — País …   Wikipedia Español

  • very — ► ADVERB 1) in a high degree. 2) (with superlative or own) without qualification: the very best quality. ► ADJECTIVE 1) actual; precise. 2) emphasizing an extreme point in time or space. 3) with no addition; mere …   English terms dictionary

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