very well
259
1.0
- idiom
- /ˈvɛri wɛl/
- If you think that is the case, then very well, I accept your opinion.
- Very well, then
- Very well, I thought
Examples
-
Very well, thank you.
-
But they could very well be, yes.
-
But success could very well be time freedom.
-
- Very well, thank you.
-
Then finally, the large man turned back to Mother and said, "Very well, Madame."
Fiction book (1993) -
Very well, I'll answer you.
-
Then Poldarge said, "Very well, sister, we will take care of these bodies for you."
Fiction book (1991) -
That's nothing for a skill that can very well change your life.
-
Despite that assurance, another administration might very well decide to encourage similar regulatory abuses of power in the future.
Academic text (2018) -
From a statistical standpoint, this may very well be true.
Academic text (2012)
Synonyms
∞
1.0
To show you agree or accept something
∞
1.0
Say this to show agreement or acceptance
∞
1.0
To show agreement or acceptance at the start of a sentence
∞
1.0
To show something is obvious and to say yes or give permission
∞
1.6
Shows agreement or understanding at the start of a sentence
84
7.7
A strong informal shout that shows agreement
Antonyms
Surface Forms
Morphology
The sense arises from a transparent intensifier + base (very + well → 'very satisfactorily'), so learners who know the constituents can often infer a general positive/accepting stance. However, its conventionalized discourse use as a brief concession or agreement (pragmatic shift from literal quality to 'all right; I agree') is not fully predictable from the parts alone and requires pragmatic familiarity. Because of that partial but clear compositional link, it is best classified as semi-transparent.
Etymology
Very well can also be a polite way to accept or agree. Imagine someone hearing a plan and saying very well while nodding; the extra very makes well mean 'all right', so the phrase shows 'acceptance' or 'that you will do it'.