very

I. adjective (verier; -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

>