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somewhat

SUM-wut/ˈsʌmwʌt/UKSUM-wot/ˈsʌmwɒt/

5 meanings of somewhat

Practice

  1. 1
    to some degreeadverb
    To a small degree, but not completely.

    Like turning up the volume a little, but not all the way.

    The movie was somewhat boring, but I still finished it.

    She felt somewhat better after a long rest.

    UsagePut it before a describing word: somewhat tired, somewhat better.

    Similarslightly, rather, fairly, moderately, partly

    Oppositevery, extremely, entirely, completely

    Note
  2. 2
    something ofnoununcountable
    A certain amount or part of something.

    Like one slice of a cake, not the whole thing.

    Her uncle is somewhat of an expert on old clocks.

    The quiet new boy turned out to be somewhat of a joker.

    UsageUsually somewhat of a: somewhat of a shock.

    Similarsomething

    Note
  3. 3
    adverbUK
    Very, but said in a way that makes it sound like only a little.

    After four hours in the pouring rain with no coat, I was somewhat wet.

    A tree fell and crushed the car flat, so Dad was somewhat annoyed.

    UsageIt is a dry joke. If you want to be clear, say very.

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    unnamed thingpronounarchaic
    Some thing that is not named exactly.
    Somewhat he knoweth of art magical, yet useth not that art; for it sappeth the life and strength, nor is it held worthy that a Demon should put trust in that art, but rather in his own might and main.
    1922, E[ric] R[ücker] Eddison, The Worm Ouroboros: A RomanceHere, Somewhat means something, some amount.
    Not seldom in this life, when, on the right side, fortune's favourites sail close by us, we, though all adroop before, catch somewhat of the rushing breeze, and joyfully feel our bagging sails fill out.
    1851, Herman Melville, Moby-Dick
    Note
  2. 5
    noun
    A person or thing that is important.
    Am I to blame for this, / That here come those that worship me? Ha! ha! / They think that I am somewhat. What am I?
    1833, Alfred Tennyson, “St. Simeon Stylites”Here, somewhat means someone important.

Practice

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Origin

It comes from joining the two words "some" and "what".

Checked 7 Nov 2026 · 1 fact