somewhat
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adv.to a small or moderate degree; a little bit.
adv.to a limited extent or degree. Often used to soften a statement or to indicate a moderate quality.
Simple“The instructions were somewhat confusing, so I had to read them twice.”
In context“The initial results of the clinical trial were somewhat encouraging, though further testing is required to confirm the long-term efficacy of the drug.”
UsageUsually placed before an adjective or another adverb.
PitfallThe movie was somewhat of long. The movie was somewhat long.Do not use 'of' after 'somewhat' when it is followed by an adjective. Use 'somewhat' directly before the adjective.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.a small amount or a part of something.
n.a certain quantity, degree, or part of something. This usage is less common in modern speech than the adverbial form.
Simple“There is somewhat of a mystery surrounding his sudden departure.”
In context“The report contains somewhat of the truth, yet it omits the most critical details regarding the financial deficit.”
UsageTypically used in the construction 'somewhat of a/an'.
Usage somewhat different · somewhat like · somewhat unrelated
“Animals appeared at least 570 million years ago, and possibly somewhat before that.”
“About two-thirds of Americans consider religion “somewhat” or “very” important , compared with 56% in Italy, 40% in Spain and 36% in Germany.”
From some + what.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.