Very vs. Absolutely: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 30, 2023
"Very" intensifies the degree of an adjective/adverb, while "Absolutely" confirms something without doubt or limitation.
Key Differences
"Very" is primarily used as an intensifier to give emphasis to adjectives and adverbs. For example, saying "very tall" means taller than just "tall." "Absolutely," on the other hand, is a word that can indicate complete agreement or certainty about something, as in "I am absolutely sure."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
When "very" is used, it signifies a higher degree of something but not necessarily the highest. For example, "very cold" doesn’t mean the coldest possible temperature, just colder than average. "Absolutely," when applied to situations of agreement, leaves no room for doubt or question. If someone is "absolutely certain," there's no ambiguity in their stance.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
"Very" can’t stand alone to make a statement, it needs an adjective or adverb to complement it. You wouldn't say "This is very," but you might say "This is very good." In contrast, "absolutely" can serve as a complete response to indicate agreement, as when someone says "Do you agree?" and the reply is simply "Absolutely."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Both "very" and "absolutely" are adverbs, but they have different applications. "Very" modifies the intensity of a word, while "absolutely" can modify verbs to indicate an action done without limitation, such as "She absolutely loves the show."
Janet White
Sep 30, 2023
"Very" suggests a relative increase in the intensity or quality of something. For instance, "very fast" implies faster than usual but not necessarily the fastest. "Absolutely," when indicating extremeness, confirms the utmost degree of something, like "absolutely perfect," meaning without any flaws.
Sara Rehman
Sep 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Intensifier for adjectives/adverbs.
Indicate complete agreement or certainty.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Degree Indication
Suggests a higher degree but not the highest.
Indicates an utmost or extreme degree.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Implies Limitation
Does not indicate absoluteness.
Indicates something without doubt or limit.
Harlon Moss
Sep 30, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Very and Absolutely Definitions
ADVERTISEMENT
Absolutely
Without qualification or restriction; completely
The substance was absolutely pure.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 2023
Absolutely
Used as an intensive
I absolutely love that restaurant. That's absolutely ridiculous.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 2023
Very
Being particularly suitable or appropriate
The very item needed to increase sales.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 2023
Absolutely
In an absolute or unconditional manner; utterly, positively, wholly.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 2023
Very
Used to emphasize the importance of what is specified
The very mountains shook.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 2023
Absolutely
Independently; viewed without relation to other things or factors.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 2023
Very
Being nothing more than what is specified; mere
The very act of riding in the car made him dizzy.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 2023
Very
(Archaic) Genuine; true
"Like very sanctity, she did approach" (Shakespeare).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 2023
Absolutely
In an absolute, independent, or unconditional manner; wholly; positively.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 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
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 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
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 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.’
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 2023
Very
(with superlatives) Used to firmly establish that nothing else surpasses in some respect.
He was the very best runner there.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 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
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 2023
Very
Used to give emphasis to the relevance of the thing modified;
His very name struck terror
Caught in the very act
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 2023
Very
Used to give emphasis;
The very essence of artistic expression is invention
The very back of the room
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 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
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 15, 2023
FAQs
Does "very" always mean the highest degree of something?
No, "very" indicates a higher degree but not necessarily the highest.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Is "absolutely" always used to show agreement?
No, it can also indicate complete certainty or extremeness.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Is "very" an adverb?
Yes, "very" is primarily used as an adverb to modify adjectives and adverbs.
Janet White
Sep 30, 2023
Can "absolutely" stand alone as a reply?
Yes, "absolutely" can stand alone to indicate agreement.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Can "very" be used alone?
No, "very" needs to modify an adjective or adverb, like "very cold."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Can "absolutely" be synonymous with "completely"?
Yes, in some contexts like "absolutely certain" or "completely certain."
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
Can "very" intensify nouns?
No, "very" primarily intensifies adjectives and adverbs.
Harlon Moss
Sep 30, 2023
How does "absolutely perfect" differ from "very perfect"?
"Absolutely perfect" implies without flaws, while "very perfect" is grammatically redundant and less commonly used.
Janet White
Sep 30, 2023
Can "very" be used with gradable adjectives?
Yes, like "very tall" or "very short."
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
Is "absolutely" stronger than "very"?
In many contexts, "absolutely" indicates a stronger or more definite stance than "very."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
Can both words be used in positive and negative contexts?
Yes, e.g., "very unhappy" or "absolutely wrong."
Aimie Carlson
Sep 30, 2023
Does "very" have origins in Old English?
Yes, "very" comes from the Old French word "verai," derived from the Latin "verus" meaning "true."
Harlon Moss
Sep 30, 2023
Is "very" a formal word?
"Very" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 30, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
