very

ver-y · adverb

imported

Definitions

adverb

  1. 1.

    Used as an intensifier to emphasize an adjective or adverb.

  2. 2.

    To a high degree; extremely.

  3. 3.

    Actual; precise (used to emphasize the exact nature of something).

  4. 4.

    With no addition; mere.

  5. 5.

    Extreme; utmost.

Related words

Antonyms: barely, hardly, slightly
See also: extremely, quite, rather, really
Synonyms: exceedingly, extremely, highly, really

Etymology

From Old French "verai" meaning "true, real, genuine," from Vulgar Latin "*veracus," from Latin "verax" meaning "truthful," from "verus" meaning "true." The word originally meant "true" or "real" in English before developing its intensifying adverbial use.