What does very mean?
Very is one of English’s most familiar degree words, used to indicate that a quality, feeling, or condition exists to a high degree. It can stand before a noun, as in “a very difficult question,” or modify a verb, adjective, or adverb, as in “She was very excited.” Its flexibility makes it useful for emphasizing both positive and negative qualities, although some speakers prefer more precise alternatives when the degree or reason matters. Very also has a distinctive exactness sense in expressions such as “the very next day” or “the very thing,” where it means precisely that. In older formal English, it could mean true or genuine. Today, however, its dominant role is as an intensifier. The word illustrates how a simple grammatical form can carry several related functions: emphasis, intensity, and exactness. Although it is easy to overuse, very remains a clear, versatile part of everyday English.
Used before a noun to indicate a high degree of a quality or characteristic.
"They faced a very difficult decision."
In this use, very intensifies the meaning of the following noun or noun phrase.
Used to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb and indicate a high degree of intensity.
"The child was very excited about the school play."
Very is often used informally with adjectives and adverbs; formal writing may use alternatives such as “highly,” “extremely,” or “exceedingly.”
From “true” to “extremely”: very began by telling you what was genuine, then evolved into English’s classic way to turn up the intensity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does very come from?
Very developed from Middle English vere, which came through Anglo-French from Latin verus, meaning “true” or “genuine.” Its original sense of truthfulness later gave rise to the modern use as an intensive degree word, meaning “to a high degree” or “exceedingly.” Related English words such as veracity, verifiable, veritable, and verisimilar ultimately share the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How very is actually used
Very is neutral and broadly used in formal and informal English. It can intensify both positive and negative qualities, and in expressions such as “not very good” it may create understatement rather than assert the opposite. The construction “the very” adds the sense of exactness or immediacy.
Easily confused with very
Very means “to a high degree,” whereas vary means “change” or “differ.”