“Very” is a common adverb, a word that modifies an adjective, verb, or other adverb to provide more detail about how something is done.
If you find yourself frequently using “very” to intensify adjectives (e.g., “very big,” “very beautiful”), you are engaging in a practice known as intensification. Overuse of intensifiers like “very” can make writing or speech seem repetitive or less impactful, which is why finding more precise adjectives, as in your examples, can improve clarity and style.
Words to use instead of very?
- Very angry → Enraged
- Very beautiful → Stunning
- Very big → Enormous
- Very boring → Monotonous
- Very noisy → Thunderous
- Very poor → Impoverished
- Very cheap → Miserly
- Very clean → Immaculate
- Very short → Fleeting
- Very difficult → Challenging
- Very dry → Parched
- Very quick → Swift
- Very bad → Horrendous
- Very smart → Brilliant
- Very sad → Heartbroken
- Very upset → Overwhelmed
- Very cold → Icy
- Very strong → Sturdy
- Very huge → Gigantic
- Very calm → Tranquil
- Very bright → Radiant
- Very busy → Swamped
- Very careful → Meticulous
- Very clear → Transparent
- Very colorful → Vibrant
- Very complete → Comprehensive
- Very confused → Perplexed
- Very dangerous → Perilous
- Very deep → Profound
- Very detailed → Elaborate
- Very dirty → Filthy
- Very easy → Effortless
- Very empty → Desolate
- Very excited → Thrilled
- Very famous → Renowned
- Very fast → Rapid
- Very fierce → Ferocious
- Very friendly → Amiable
- Very funny → Hilarious
- Very good → Excellent
- Very happy → Ecstatic
- Very heavy → Weighty
- Very high → Towering
- Very hot → Scorching
- Very hungry → Ravenous
- Very important → Crucial
- Very large → Vast
- Very lazy → Indolent
- Very long → Extensive
- Very loud → Deafening