# somewhat

/ˈsəmˈwət/ (US) · /sˈʌmwɒt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/somewhat
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to a limited degree

adverb · CEFR B2 · Academic

to a small or moderate degree; a little bit.

For teachers: to a limited extent or degree. Often used to soften a statement or to indicate a moderate quality.

- The instructions were somewhat confusing, so I had to read them twice.
- The initial results of the clinical trial were somewhat encouraging, though further testing is required to confirm the long-term efficacy of the drug.

Usage: Usually placed before an adjective or another adverb.

### 2. a certain amount

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

a small amount or a part of something.

For teachers: a certain quantity, degree, or part of something. This usage is less common in modern speech than the adverbial form.

- There is somewhat of a mystery surrounding his sudden departure.
- The report contains somewhat of the truth, yet it omits the most critical details regarding the financial deficit.

Usage: Typically used in the construction 'somewhat of a/an'.

## Examples

- The results of the test were somewhat surprising.
- The new office layout is somewhat better than the old one, though the noise levels remain high.
- While the initial proposal was rejected, the committee's revised stance is somewhat more aligned with the environmental standards we established last year.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.