I. ˈver-ē, ˈve-rē adjective
( veri·er ; -est )
Etymology: Middle English verray, verry, from Anglo-French verai, from Vulgar Latin * veracus, alteration of Latin verac-, verax truthful, from verus true; akin to Old English wǣr true, Old High German wāra trust, care, Greek ēra (accusative) favor
Date: 13th century
1.
a. : properly entitled to the name or designation : true
the fierce hatred of a very woman — J. M. Barrie
b. : actual , real
the very blood and bone of our grammar — H. L. Smith †1972
c. : simple , plain
in very truth
2.
a. : exact , precise
the very heart of the city
b. : exactly suitable or necessary
the very thing for the purpose
3.
a. : absolute , utter
the veriest fool alive
b. : unqualified , sheer
the very shame of it
4. — used as an intensive especially to emphasize identity
before my very eyes
5. : mere , bare
the very thought terrified him
6. : being the same one : selfsame
the very man I saw
7. : special , particular
the very essence of truth is plainness and brightness — John Milton
Synonyms: see same
II. adverb
Date: 14th century
1. : in actual fact : truly
the very best store in town
told the very same story
2. : to a high degree : exceedingly
very hot
didn't hurt very much