very
adv. · adj.-
1 to a high degree (adv.) A1 Beginneryou use this to make an adjective or adverb stronger.
an intensifier used to increase the degree or force of an adjective or another adverb.
ExampleThe tea is very hot, so please be careful not to burn yourself.
ExampleThe results of the clinical trial were very encouraging, suggesting that the new treatment could significantly reduce recovery times for most patients.
PitfallThe movie was very interesting, but I was very tired.The movie was very interesting, but I was exhausted.Avoid using 'very' with 'strong' adjectives that already mean 'very X'. For example, use 'exhausted' instead of 'very tired' for better style.
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2 exact or particular (adj.) B1 Intermediateused to emphasize that you are talking about a specific person, thing, or place.
used as an emphatic determiner to specify a particular person or thing; often indicates the exactness of a location or identity.
ExampleThat is the very house where my grandfather was born eighty years ago.
ExampleAt that very moment, the sirens began to wail, confirming our suspicions that the drill had finally commenced.
UsageAlways placed before the noun it modifies.
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3 extreme or furthest (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediateused to emphasize the extreme end or limit of something.
used to emphasize the extreme nature or the furthest point of a physical or temporal limit.
ExampleWe walked to the very end of the pier to watch the boats.
ExampleThe hikers reached the very edge of the cliff before realizing the trail had been washed away by the previous night's storm.
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4 mere or simple (adj.) C1 Advanced Formalused to show that even a small or simple thing is enough to cause a reaction.
used to emphasize that the mere mention or existence of something is sufficient to produce an effect.
ExampleThe very thought of public speaking makes him feel nervous.
ExampleThe very existence of such a document was enough to spark a diplomatic crisis between the two neighboring nations.