The difference between Terribly and Very

When used as adverbs, terribly means so as to cause terror or awe, whereas very means to a great extent or degree.


Very is also adjective with the meaning: true, real, actual.

check bellow for the other definitions of Terribly and Very

  1. Terribly as an adverb (literary, _, or, _, dated):

    So as to cause terror or awe.

    Examples:

    "The lion roared terribly."

  2. Terribly as an adverb:

    Very; extremely.

    Examples:

    "He's terribly busy and you really shouldn't bother him."

  3. Terribly as an adverb:

    Very badly.

    Examples:

    "She took part in the karaoke, but sang terribly."

  1. Very as an adjective:

    True, real, actual.

    Examples:

    "The fierce hatred of a very woman.  nowrap The very blood and bone of our grammar.  nowrap He tried his very best."

  2. Very as an adjective:

    The same; identical.

    Examples:

    "He proposed marriage in the same restaurant, at the very table where they first met.  nowrap That's the very tool that I need."

  3. Very as an adjective:

    With limiting effect: mere.

  1. Very as an adverb:

    To a great extent or degree; extremely; exceedingly.

    Examples:

    "You’re drinking very slowly."

    "That dress is very ''you''."

  2. Very as an adverb:

    True, truly.

  3. Very as an adverb (with superlatives):

    Examples:

    "He was the very best runner there."