very well

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English

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Pronunciation

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Adverb

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very well (not comparable)

  1. 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.
  2. (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

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  • (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

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very well

  1. (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.
  2. (idiomatic) Synonym of fair enough.
  3. (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

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Adjective

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very well (not comparable)

  1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see very,‎ well.
    I'm feeling very well today.