Ever so

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

As I understand it, the expression "ever so" is a vehement emphasis of "so". My problem is that "ever", for me, introduces an idea of a continuing or increasing emotion but that's most probably not the case, so I'm always insecure about using it. Any comments?

And would it be correct to use it in these examples?

- I have two students who won't learn much. It's ever so frustrating! (As in I'm getting more and more frustrated at the end of each class)

- She's normally late from work. When she gets home she's ever so hungry! (As in she's always so hungry she could have big amounts of anything for dinner)

[Rusty]

In every case I can think of, the two-word phrase is a synonym of very (substitute extremely, exceedingly, exceptionally, especially, tremendously, immensely, really, truly, to a great extent/degree, etc.).

It's ever so frustrating! = It's very frustrating! or It's truly frustrating!
She's ever so hungry! = She's extremely hungry! or She's really hungry!

The phrase isn't used to indicate continuing or increasing emotion.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

Thank you very much, for the reply, Rusty. I will have to internalize the actual meaning and not the one my head keeps giving it.

[Tomisimo]

For the record, I agree with Rusty's analysis.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

Thank you, David!

Ya está entrando en mi cabecita dura.