very well
Học thuậtThân thiện
A student nods and says "very well" when the teacher asks if they understand.
Definition
Adverb 1. An expression of agreement normally occurring at the beginning of a sentence: Used to indicate acceptance, consent, or acknowledgment, often in a formal or slightly reluctant tone. 2. Quite well; to a satisfactory or competent degree: Used to describe something done with a reasonable level of skill, success, or adequacy, though not exceptionally.
Usage Examples
As an expression of agreement:
- "Very well, you may leave the table." (An expression of permission or consent.)
- "Very well, if that's your final decision, I will accept it." (An expression of reluctant acceptance.)
Meaning 'quite well':
- "She performed very well in her exams." (She performed satisfactorily or competently.)
- "The engine is running very well after the repair." (The engine is functioning adequately.)
Advanced Usage
- "Oh, very well...": A common introductory phrase expressing resigned agreement, often with a sigh or pause.
- "Oh, very well, I suppose we can go tomorrow instead."
Variants and Related Words
- Well (adv.): In a good or satisfactory manner. (e.g., )
- Alright (interj., adv.): A more informal variant for expressing agreement or describing satisfactory condition. (e.g., / )
- Okay (interj., adv., adj.): A common informal synonym for agreement and adequacy. (e.g., / )
Synonyms
- Agreement sense: Alright, okay, fine, agreed, all right.
- 'Quite well' sense: Satisfactorily, competently, adequately, acceptably, pretty well.
Related Phrases
- "All very well": An idiomatic phrase used to acknowledge a point while introducing a criticism or drawback.
- "That's all very well in theory, but it won't work in practice."
Notes on Usage
- When used for agreement, "very well" often stands alone as an interjection or begins a sentence. It can sound more formal or old-fashioned than "okay" or "alright."
- When meaning 'quite well,' it is a standard adverb phrase modifying a verb. It often implies a level of performance that is good but not outstanding.
A student nods and says "very well" when the teacher asks if they understand.
Adverb
- an expression of agreement normally occurring at the beginning of a sentence
- quite well
- she doesn't feel first-rate today