1
: to a high degree : exceedingly
very hot
didn't hurt very much
2
: in actual fact : truly
the very best store in town
told the very same story
verier; veriest
1
2
a
: unqualified, sheer
the very shame of it
3
—used as an intensive especially to emphasize identity
before my very eyes
5
: being the same one : selfsame
the very man I saw
6
: special, particular
the very essence of truth is plainness and brightness—
John Milton
John MiltonExamples of very in a Sentence
Adverb
that was a very brave thing to do
the very same thing happened to me
Adjective
we stayed in the very hotel my parents stayed in for their honeymoon
the very thought of having to go through that again is scary
Recent Examples on the Web
Amy Neff Roth, USA Today, 3 May 2025
An imperative to invest in women’s health The Women’s Health Initiative was established in response to a growing realization that very little medical research existed to inform health care that was specifically relevant to women.
—Jean Wactawski-Wende, The Conversation, 2 May 2025
Steve Bender, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Radio Free Asia’s layoffs on Friday exempted several of its most vulnerable staffers for that very reason.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for very
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Adverb
Chobani broke ground on a very, very big natural foods plant in Rome, New York, after Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a press conference about the company's long-term investment late last month.
—Amy Neff Roth, USA Today, 3 May 2025
An imperative to invest in women’s health The Women’s Health Initiative was established in response to a growing realization that very little medical research existed to inform health care that was specifically relevant to women.
—Jean Wactawski-Wende, The Conversation, 2 May 2025
Adjective
Tune in for short episodes every Wednesday and Saturday as Grumpy answers reader questions, solves seasonal conundrums, and provides need-to-know advice for gardeners with his very Grumpy sense of humor.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Radio Free Asia’s layoffs on Friday exempted several of its most vulnerable staffers for that very reason.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for very
Cite this Entry
“Very.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/very. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
very
1 of 2 adjective
verier; veriest
1
: being actual or real
2
a
: exact entry 2 sense 1, precise
the very heart of the city
b
: exactly suitable or necessary
the very thing for the purpose
3
: mere entry 2, bare
the very thought terrified them
4
: exactly the same
the very one I saw yesterday
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