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.