what is the difference between assai and molto ?

[Duru]

What is the difference between assai and molto?
In current Italian, "Assai ritenuto" and "molto ritenuto" are equivalent and perfectly fine. "Ritenuto assai" is correct, but with a rather pretentious flavour. As an Italian speaker, I would avoid "Ritenuto molto" in anything other than a musical score.Nov 1, 2018