English

Adjective

very well ‎(not comparable)

1. Used other than as an idiom: see very,‎ well.

   I'm feeling very well today.

Adverb

very well ‎(comparative more very well, superlative most very well)

1. Used other than as an idiom: see very,‎ well.

   He managed the company very well.‎

   He understood very well that there might be difficulties.‎

   • 1893, Walter Besant, The Ivory Gate, Prologue:

     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

• (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

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.

Translations