very well

very well (not comparable)

1. Used other than with a figurative or idiomatic meaning: see very,‎ well.

   He managed the company very well.

   • 1892, Walter Besant, “Prologue: Who is Edmund Gray?”, in The Ivory Gate: A Novel, New York, N.Y.: Harper & Brothers, […], OCLC 16832619:

     Thus, when he drew up instructions in lawyer language, he expressed the important words by an initial, a medial, or a final consonant, and made scratches for all the words between; his clerks, however, understood him very well.

2. (idiomatic) Used to weaken the effect of certain modal verbs.

   It may very well rain this afternoon.

   I can't very well talk to you and concentrate on sanding this at the same time.

• (used to weaken the effect of modal verbs): The improbability introduced by may is weaker in It may very well rain than in It may rain. Likewise, the impossibility meant by can't is weaker in I can't very well talk than in I can't talk.

very well

1. (idiomatic, formal) Indicating acceptance, often with resignation or acquiescence, of a statement or situation.

   A: I don't want to go today.

   B: Very well. Let's go tomorrow, then.

2. (naval) A standard response by a superior to a report or confirmation.

   Conning officer: "Rudder amidships."

   Helmsman: "Rudder amidships aye! Rudder now amidships."

   Conning officer: "Very well."

very well (not comparable)

1. Used other than with a figurative or idiomatic meaning: see very,‎ well.

   I'm feeling very well today.