VERY: different ways to use 'very'

The word 'very' can be used in different ways in English:
1) Before adjectives and adverbs as an intensfier meaning 'to a high degree'.
2) Before nouns (often 'the very ...') for emphasis, meaning 'exact' or 'actual'.

• BEFORE ADJECTIVES AND ADVERBS :
  Meaning:
  Very before adjectives and adverbs acts as an intensifier. It means:
  'extremely', 'exceedingly', 'to a great degree or extent'.
  Examples:
  
  • The book was very interesting.
  • It was so interesting that I read it very quickly.
  • The situation is very serious.
  • We need to examine it very carefully.
  • The passenger was very courageous.
  • He acted very bravely.

• BEFORE NOUNS: preceded by a definite article or possessive determiner
  Meaning:
  Very before nouns has different meanings depending on the context:
  'exact'; 'precise'; 'actual'; 'the same'; 'mere'; 'the furthest point'.
  

  'Very' is used before nouns to emphasize that we are talking about a particular thing or person and not another, or to give exaggerated intensity to certain nouns.

  Examples:
  
  • He’s the very man we need for the job.
  • This is the very book I've been trying to find.
  • That's the very style I was looking for.
  • The very thought of the interview makes me nervous.
  • The very idea of meeting my future mother-in-law was stressful.
  • Tania found a seat at the very back of the classroom.
  • Our health system is at the very top of our list of priorities.
  • The very fact that the students asked for clarification shows that it was confusing.
  • The very mention of food made her feel sick.
  • Those were his very words (the very words he used) during the election campaign.
  • The poor education system is at the very heart of the problem.
  • The note about the author is at the very beginning of the book.
  • The author bought a house in the very town where he was born.
  • I found the file at the very bottom of the pile.
  • The actor’s appearance was planned at the very end of the show.
  • The parcel was delivered the very next day.
  • Our parents may be on their way at this very minute.
  • The very sight of the man makes me nervous!
  • His very name strikes terror among the population.
  • I searched everywhere and there it was, before my very eyes!