very

Universal Words adverb, adjective adverb (abbreviation v) 1 used before adjectives, adverbs and DETERMINERS to mean 'in a high degree' or 'extremely': very small / hot / useful * very quickly / soon / far * Very few people know that. * Thanks very much. * 'Do you like it?' 'Yeah, I do. Very much.' * 'Is it what you expected?' 'Oh yes, very much so.' * 'Are you busy?' 'Not very.' * The new building has been very much admired. * I'm not very (= not at all) impressed. 2 used to emphasize a superlative adjective or before own: They wanted the very best quality. * Be there by six at the very latest. * At last he had his very own car (= belonging to him and to nobody else). 3 the ~ same exactly the same: Mario said the very same thing. adjective [onlybeforenoun] 1 used to emphasize that you are talking about a particular thing or person and not about another SYNACTUAL: Those were her very words. * He might be phoning her at this very moment. * That's the very thing I need. 2 extreme: It happens at the very beginning of the book. 3 used to emphasize a noun SYNMERE: The very thought of drink made him feel sick. * 'I can't do that!' she gasped, appalled at the very idea. IDIOMS see EYEn., IMAGE ______________________________ GRAMMARPOINT very / very much Very is used with adjectives, past participles used as adjectives, and adverbs: I am very hungry. * I was very pleased to get your letter. * You played very well. But notice: I'm very much afraid that your son may be involved in the crime. Very is not used with past participles that have a passive meaning. Much, very much or greatly (formal) are usually used instead: Your help was very much appreciated. * He was much loved by everyone. * She was greatly admired. Very is used to emphasize superlative adjectives: my very best work * the very youngest children. However, with comparative adjectives much, very much, a lot, etc. are used: Your work is very much better. * much younger children. Very is not used with adjectives and adverbs that already have an extreme meaning. You are more likely to use an adverb such as absolutely, completely, etc.: She was absolutely furious. * I'm completely exhausted. * You played really brilliantly. Very is not used with verbs. Use very much instead: We enjoyed staying with you very much. ______________________________