very

be all very well

if you say that something is all very well, you mean that although it is good in some ways, it is bad in some ways too. Electric heating is all very well, but what happens if there's a power cut? (usually + but)

See also: all, well

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all very well

1. good but not good enough. It's all very well to fully discuss a problem, but finally you have to stop talking and do something about it.

2. acceptable. It's all very well to give money to help people, but there needs to be some way of helping them to help themselves.

Usage notes: said about something that is good but not enough by itself

See also: all, well

very much so

to a great degree. My father did inspire me, very much so. “So crime is a big concern where you live?” “Very much so.”

See also: much

very well

1. probably. Stress could very well have triggered her heart attack. The robber might very well have been in the house when the police arrived.

2. clearly. The little boy knew very well that the neighbors didn't like his father.

See also: well