Although the most common use of an adverb modifying an adjective is to function as an intensifier or diminisher (Quirk et al., 1985, p. 445), adverbs can also add to the semantic content of the adjectival phrase instead of providing a grading effect (e.g., immediately available, politically vulnerable), or function as emphasizers, adding to the force of the base adjective and not to its degree (e.g., virtually impossible; compare *very impossible).
we compiled by hand a list of 73 adverbs and noun phrases (such as a little, exceedingly, somewhat, and very) that are frequently used as grading modifiers.