Pronunciation: [vˈɛɹɪ lˈɒŋ] (IPA) 
The spelling of "very long" is straightforward, combining the common spelling patterns of the word "very" and the word "long". In IPA phonetic transcription, "very" is pronounced /ˈvɛri/, with a stressed "e" sound and a clear /r/ at the end. "Long" is pronounced /lɔŋ/ with a long /o/ sound and a velar nasal /ŋ/ at the end. When combined, the two words are pronounced /ˈvɛri lɔŋ/ with a slight pause between them.
Very long is an adjective used to describe something that has an extensive length, an extended duration, or an excessive amount of time or space. It denotes an object or event that surpasses the average or typical length expected for its category or context.
In terms of physical dimensions, if an object is considered very long, it implies that it is considerably lengthier than what is generally observed in similar objects. For instance, a very long bridge would be considerably lengthier than the average bridge, often spanning vast distances. Similarly, a very long road would extend over a significantly extensive stretch.
When referring to time, very long signifies an extended duration or a lengthy period that exceeds what is typically expected or experienced. This can be used in the context of a very long movie, indicating that it is considerably extended in comparison to most movies. It can also be employed to describe a very long meeting, suggesting that it is abnormally lengthy or protracted.
Furthermore, very long can be used to depict an excessive measure or quantity in a metaphorical sense. For example, a very long list implies an extensive number of items or an exceedingly large compilation.
Overall, the term "very long" characterizes something as having a considerable length, duration, or quantity that exceeds what is usual or expected within its category or context.
The word "very long" does not have a separate etymology, as it is a combination of two separate words: "very" and "long".
The word "very" can be traced back to the Middle English word "verai" or "verrai", which derived from the Old French word "verai" meaning "true" or "real". It further originated from the Latin word "verus" with the same meaning.
The word "long" has its roots in the Old English word "lang", which is related to the Old Norse word "langr". Both of these words meant "long" or "tall".
Together, "very long" simply combines these two concepts to express something that is true and of great length.
