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.

Adverb

1. an expression of agreement normally occurring at the beginning of a sentence
2. quite well
   • she doesn't feel first-rate today