What does the word "very" mean in the phrase "Until this very day"? I always thought very is an intensifier, but it doesn't seem to be doing that here.
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1I would equate it to "specific", in this context.– Hot LicksJun 4, 2020 at 12:46
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2Why don't you think it's an intensifier? It's emphasizing that it's important that it stopped today and no sooner.– MaryJun 4, 2020 at 12:56
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1Does this answer your question? How to analyze lightly varying senses of adjective *very* It is an intensifying usage here; 'Until this day' carries precisely the same meaning, and the version including 'very' might be paraphrased 'Until this day ... this day!'– Edwin AshworthJun 4, 2020 at 13:39
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1 Answer
Very
The 2nd sense found here is:
(used as an intensive emphasizing superlatives or stressing identity or oppositeness): the very best thing; in the very same place as before. That is its adverb form.
As an adjective, it can mean:
3 precise; particular
5 actual
(All of the above definitions are from the same online dictionary, same page.)
Given that it is being used as an adjective in this sentence, I think the proper way to understand "very" here is to read the sentence: "To this [exact/specific/precise] day."
