very
Meaning: In a high degree; extremely; actual or precise
'Very' is an adverb of degree that intensifies adjectives and other adverbs ('very happy', 'very quickly'). It cannot directly modify verbs - use 'very much' instead ('I like it very much'). As an adjective, 'very' means 'actual' or 'exact' ('the very same person'). 'Very' should be used sparingly in formal writing.
Examples
- I am very pleased to meet you. 见到你我非常高兴。Estoy muy encantado de conocerte.お会いできて大変嬉しいです。만나 뵙게 되어 매우 기쁩니다.
- She speaks very fluently. 她说得非常流利。Ella habla muy fluidamente.彼女はとても流暢に話す。그녀는 매우 유창하게 말한다.
- This is the very book I was looking for. 这正是我在找的那本书。Este es el mismo libro que estaba buscando.これはまさに私が探していた本だ。이것이 바로 내가 찾고 있던 책이다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old French 'verai' (true, genuine), from Latin 'vērax' (truthful), from 'vērus' (true). Originally meant 'truly' or 'genuinely'; its weakened sense as a mere intensifier developed by the 15th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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