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somewhere

adv. · n.
US //ˈsəmˌwɛɹ// UK //sˈʌmweə// some·where
  1. 1 at an unknown place (adv.)
    A1 Beginner

    in or at a place that you do not know or have not named.

    at or in an unspecified or unknown location. Often used when the exact coordinates are irrelevant to the speaker's intent.

    Example

    I know I left my glasses somewhere in the kitchen, but I can't find them.

    Example

    The missing documents are likely filed somewhere in the archives, though locating them without a reference number will be difficult.

    Usage

    Functions as an adverb of place; do not precede with a preposition like 'in' or 'at'.
    Pitfall
    I live in somewhere quiet.
    I live somewhere quiet.

    Do not use 'in' before 'somewhere' when it is used as an adverb of place.

  2. 2 to an unknown place (adv.)
    A1 Beginner

    to a place that is not specified.

    to an unspecified or unknown destination. Functions as a directional adverb.

    Example

    We should go somewhere warm for our summer holiday this year.

    Example

    After the meeting, the delegates moved somewhere more private to discuss the sensitive details of the merger.

    Usage

    Used with verbs of motion like 'go', 'travel', or 'move'.
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  1. 3 approximately (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used to show that a number, time, or amount is not exact.

    used to indicate an approximate value, time, or quantity, typically followed by 'between' or 'around'.

    Example

    The repairs will cost somewhere between two hundred and three hundred dollars.

    Example

    The historical evidence suggests the castle was built somewhere around the late fourteenth century, though the exact year remains a mystery.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'somewhere between' to indicate a range.
  2. 4 an unknown location (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a place that exists but is not named or known.

    an unspecified or unknown location. In this sense, it functions as a noun and can be preceded by a preposition.

    Example

    The package must have come from somewhere in Europe.

    Example

    The melody seemed to drift from somewhere deep within the forest, haunting the hikers as they set up camp.

    Usage

    Unlike the adverbial use, the noun form can follow a preposition like 'from' or 'to'.
    • a place
Origin

From some + where.

Idioms4 entries

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