very - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
very Word Meanings
- to a great degree
- extremely
- used for emphasis
very Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
very Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈvɛri/
US
/ˈvɛri/
very Word Etymology
The root 'ver' relates to truth, 'leading' to intensifying meaning. Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a knight fervently declaring the truth of his love, emphasizing 'very' on bended knee.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I place my thumb on the dial and slowly turn it, watching the needle shift as I go. I keep nudging it a little, feeling the change in rhythm and sound as the thing I am watching responds. The room grows warmer and the light climbs - very noticeable - like a signal that the degree matters. I learn to use it when I want to push a bit further, to show I mean more than just a little.
Real Context
Very is a common adverb used to strengthen adjectives and some other adverbs, signaling a high degree of quality or state. It sits directly before the word it modifies: very cold, very quickly, very happy. It can also modify verbs in a limited way, usually describing states or feelings. While very is versatile, it tends to be less intense than words like extremely or utterly, and overusing it can make speech feel dull or everyday. Learners should choose stronger options when emphasis is needed, or pair very with more precise language (very good vs. not very good; extremely helpful). Pay attention to negation and idiomatic patterns, since not very often has a distinct shade of meaning.
Usage Reminders
- Place very directly before the adjective or adverb it modifies.
- Use very to signal a high but not extreme degree.
- Avoid stacking very with synonyms like extremely in casual speech.
- Not very good is a common, natural negation; not very expensive is also common.
- Mix very with stronger options (very helpful vs extremely helpful) when you want more impact.
Common Misconceptions
- Very is the absolute strongest intensifier in English.
- Very can be used before all verbs with equal naturalness.
- You should replace every instance of very with extremely when you want emphasis.
- Not very good always means extremely bad.
- Very must be used in formal writing in all contexts.
Thinking Differences
English tends to use very as a light, flexible booster suitable for everyday speech; learners often overuse it or overlook stronger options like extremely. Positioning is predictable before the modified word, but not before the whole clause. Avoid stacking, and watch not very with negation.
Learning Tips
- Learn common pairs: very good, very bad, very happy.
- Compare with more intense options: extremely good, utterly useless.
- Use very with adjectives that genuinely allow strong emphasis.
- Watch negation: not very interesting is common; not very good is also common.
- Avoid stacking: very very is usually unnecessary.
- Practice with real speech to hear natural strength differences.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'very' used correctly?
A.He is very tall.
B.He is a very tall.
C.He very is tall.
D.He tall is very.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a similar word to 'very'?
A.Never
B.Little
C.Quite
D.Too
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'very'?
A.Somewhat
B.Not
C.Hardly
D.Extremely
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life situation would you use the word 'very'?
A.Describing color
B.Describing temperature
C.Describing texture
D.Describing shape
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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