somewhat
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/ˈsʌmˌwɑt/
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A careful middle-degree word for something partly true or only moderately strong, with a rarer formal use for an unspecified part or amount.
Examples
He was somewhat surprised by the decision.
The plan kept somewhat of its early simplicity.
Somewhat of the old distrust remained between them.
Her explanation sounded somewhat uncertain.
This version is somewhat more reliable than the old one.
Similar words
partly
something
a portion
slightly
moderately
some
fairly
a part
a measure
rather
Meanings
Examples
The results were somewhat better than expected.
Her explanation sounded somewhat uncertain.
The city has changed somewhat since I last visited.
This version is somewhat more reliable than the old one.
He was somewhat surprised by the decision.
Similar words
rather
fairly
moderately
slightly
partly
mildly
to a degree
to some extent
Examples
Somewhat of the old distrust remained between them.
The letter preserved somewhat of her original tone.
Somewhat of what he said was true.
The ruins still show somewhat of the temple's former shape.
The plan kept somewhat of its early simplicity.
Similar words
something
some
a part
a portion
a little
a measure
Etymology
Formed in Middle English from some and what, first recorded around the late twelfth or early thirteenth century for a certain amount or degree.
FAQ
Somewhat usually means to a limited or moderate degree, so a statement is partly true but not very strong.
Somewhat is neutral to rather formal. It often sounds more careful than a bit or kind of.
Where does somewhat go in a sentence?
Somewhat often comes before an adjective, adverb, or comparative, as in somewhat tired or somewhat more expensive.
Can somewhat come after a verb?
Yes. A sentence like the situation changed somewhat means it changed to a limited degree.
What does somewhat of mean?
Somewhat of can mean to some degree, as in somewhat of a mystery, or more formally part of something.
Is somewhat the same as very?
No. Somewhat weakens or limits a statement, while very makes it stronger.
Can somewhat be a pronoun?
Yes, but the pronoun sense meaning something or some part is formal and much less common today.
How is somewhat pronounced?
Somewhat is commonly pronounced /ˈsʌmˌwɑt/.
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