Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
very well. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
very well, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
very well in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
very well you have here. The definition of the word
very well will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
very well, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Pronunciation
Adverb
very well (not comparable)
- Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see very, well.
He managed the company very well.
1892, Walter Besant, “Prologue: Who is Edmund Gray?”, in The Ivory Gate , New York, N.Y.: Harper & Brothers, , →OCLC:Thus, when he drew up instructions in lawyer language, he expressed the important words by an initial, a medial, or a final consonant, and made scratches for all the words between; his clerks, however, understood him very well.
- (idiomatic) Used to weaken the effect of certain modal verbs.
It may very well rain this afternoon.
I can't very well talk to you and concentrate on sanding this at the same time.
Usage notes
- (used to weaken the effect of modal verbs): The improbability introduced by may is weaker in It may very well rain than in It may rain. Likewise, the impossibility meant by can't is weaker in I can't very well talk than in I can't talk.
Interjection
very well
- (idiomatic, formal) Indicating acceptance, often with resignation or acquiescence, of a statement or situation.
- A: I don't want to go today.
- B: Very well. Let's go tomorrow, then.
- (idiomatic) Synonym of fair enough.
- (naval) A standard response by a superior to a report or confirmation.
- Conning officer: "Rudder amidships."
- Helmsman: "Rudder amidships aye! Rudder now amidships."
- Conning officer: "Very well."
Translations
Adjective
very well (not comparable)
- Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see very, well.
- I'm feeling very well today.