very

UK: ˈvɛri | US: ˈvɛri

Definition

  1. adv. to a high degree; extremely

  2. adj. (archaic) true; actual

Structure
ver <true (from Latin *verus*) + y<adjective suffix (Old English *-ig*)>
Etymology

The word "very" traces back to the Latin verus (true), which entered Old French as verai (true, real). In Middle English, it evolved into verray (true, genuine), later shortened to "very." Originally an adjective meaning "true" (e.g., "the very man"), its adverbial use ("very tall") emerged by the 14th century, emphasizing intensity or truthfulness. The modern sense of "extremely" overshadowed its original meaning.

Examples

  1. She was very happy with the results.

  2. This is the very book I was looking for.

  3. The weather is very cold today.

  4. He arrived at the very moment we needed help.

  5. (Archaic) "It is the very truth," he declared.