Very vs. Absolutely: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 11, 2023
Very is an adverb enhancing an adjective or adverb, while absolutely emphasizes total agreement or complete certainty.
Difference Between Very and Absolutely
"Very" is an adverb primarily used to increase the degree of an adjective or another adverb. For example, if something is "cold," then "very cold" implies a higher degree of coldness. The use of "very" provides clarity, allowing speakers to convey stronger feelings or observations. However, it's worth noting that "very" is a relative intensifier; the degree it suggests can vary based on context.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
"Absolutely," on the other hand, is a more absolute term. When used to agree or confirm, "absolutely" indicates total agreement without any doubt. For instance, "Absolutely, I understand" signifies complete understanding. Furthermore, when "absolutely" modifies adjectives, it often imparts a sense of completeness, as in "absolutely perfect," implying no flaws whatsoever.
Muazma Batool
Sep 11, 2023
Interestingly, while "very" usually strengthens a statement, "absolutely" can sometimes serve to make a statement more definite. For example, "It's very possible" suggests a higher degree of possibility, whereas "It's absolutely possible" implies a definitive possibility without any doubt.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
In speech and writing, the choice between "very" and "absolutely" can influence the tone and emphasis of the statement. Overusing "very" might dilute its effect, turning it into a filler word, while "absolutely" retains its emphatic nature even with frequent usage.
Lucas
Sep 11, 2023
Both words, despite their differences, are tools that enhance language, allowing us to express nuances in intensity, agreement, and certainty. Selecting one over the other is often a matter of the specific message and tone the speaker or writer wishes to convey.
Nolan
Sep 11, 2023
Very vs. Absolutely Comparison Chart
Function
Enhances an adjective or adverb.
Emphasizes total agreement or complete certainty.
Muazma Batool
Sep 11, 2023
Usage
Can become filler if overused.
Retains its emphatic nature even with frequent usage.
Muazma Batool
Sep 11, 2023
Very vs. Absolutely Definitions
◉Very
Used to emphasize the extremeness or unexpectedness of a situation.
He arrived very late to the party.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
◉Absolutely
Without qualification or restriction; completely
The substance was absolutely pure.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Very
Truly; absolutely
the very best advice.
attended the very same schools.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Absolutely
Used as an intensive
I absolutely love that restaurant. That's absolutely ridiculous.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Very
Being the same; identical
That is the very question she asked yesterday.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Very
Being particularly suitable or appropriate
the very item needed to increase sales.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Absolutely
In an absolute or unconditional manner; utterly, positively, wholly.
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May 03, 2023
◉Very
Used to emphasize the importance of what is specified
The very mountains shook.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Absolutely
Independently; viewed without relation to other things or factors.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Very
Being nothing more than what is specified; mere
The very act of riding in the car made him dizzy.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Very
(Archaic) Genuine; true
"Like very sanctity, she did approach" (Shakespeare).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Very
(literary) True, real, actual.
The fierce hatred of a very woman.
The very blood and bone of our grammar.
He tried his very best.
We're approaching the very end of the trip.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Absolutely
In an absolute, independent, or unconditional manner; wholly; positively.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Very
The same; identical.
He proposed marriage in the same restaurant, at the very table where they first met.
That's the very tool that I need.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Absolutely
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers;
an absolutely magnificent painting
a perfectly idiotic idea
you're perfectly right
utterly miserable
you can be dead sure of my innocence
was dead tired
dead right
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May 03, 2023
◉Absolutely
totally and definitely; without question;
we are absolutely opposed to the idea
he forced himself to lie absolutely still
iron is absolutely necessary
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May 03, 2023
◉Very
To a great extent or degree.
That dress is very you.
Not very many (of them) had been damaged.
She's very like her mother.
‘Is she busy?’ ― ‘Not very.’
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Very
(with superlatives) Used to firmly establish that nothing else surpasses in some respect.
He was the very best runner there.
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May 03, 2023
◉Very
True; real; actual; veritable.
Whether thou be my very son Esau or not.
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
The very essence of truth is plainness and brightness.
I looked on the consideration of public service or public ornament to be real and very justice.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Very
In a high degree; to no small extent; exceedingly; excessively; extremely; as, a very great mountain; a very bright sun; a very cold day; the river flows very rapidly; he was very much hurt.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Very
being the exact same one; not any other:;
this is the identical room we stayed in before
the themes of his stories are one and the same
saw the selfsame quotation in two newspapers
on this very spot
the very thing he said yesterday
the very man I want to see
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Very
used to give emphasis to the relevance of the thing modified;
his very name struck terror
caught in the very act
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May 03, 2023
◉Very
used to give emphasis;
the very essence of artistic expression is invention
the very back of the room
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May 03, 2023
◉Very
used as intensifiers; `real' is sometimes used informally for `really'; `rattling' is informal;
she was very gifted
he played very well
a really enjoyable evening
I'm real sorry about it
a rattling good yarn
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Very
Actually or truly, often emphasizing surprise or irony.
It was the very same person we saw yesterday.
Muazma Batool
Sep 11, 2023
Very vs. Absolutely Frequently Asked Questions
Why might "very" seem weaker than "absolutely"?
Overuse can dilute "very's" impact, turning it into a filler word, whereas "absolutely" retains its strength.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Does "absolutely" always indicate agreement?
Not always. It can also emphasize certainty or completeness.
Muazma Batool
Sep 11, 2023
Do "very" and "absolutely" serve the same purpose?
While both enhance language, "very" strengthens a statement, and "absolutely" provides definitive emphasis.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Can "very" be used with any adjective?
Mostly, but not always. Phrases like "very unique" are often considered redundant.
Muazma Batool
Sep 11, 2023
In which context is "absolutely" preferred?
When indicating total agreement or emphasizing complete certainty.
Henry
Sep 11, 2023
Can "very" be replaced by "absolutely" in all cases?
No. "Very" is more flexible in modifying adjectives and adverbs, while "absolutely" emphasizes totality.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
Is "very" more common than "absolutely"?
In everyday speech, "very" is likely more frequent, but context and intent determine which is more suitable.
Levi
Sep 11, 2023
What's the key difference in their function?
"Very" enhances the degree, while "absolutely" emphasizes total agreement or certainty.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 11, 2023
How does the tone change between the two?
Using "absolutely" often imparts a stronger, more emphatic tone compared to "very."
Henry
Sep 11, 2023
Are there alternatives to using "very"?
Yes, one could use specific adverbs like "extremely" or "incredibly" for more nuanced emphasis.
William
Sep 11, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
