somewhat
Americanadverb
noun
adverb
Etymology
Origin of somewhat
Explanation
The word somewhat means "slightly" or "to a moderate extent." Being somewhat excited to go on a trip means you're kind of looking forward to it, but you're not completely over-the-top thrilled about the prospect. A movie that you find somewhat interesting may hold your attention, at least for a while, but it doesn't fully amaze you. It probably won't stick with you after you've left the theater. Similarly, if you're somewhat tired, you're neither completely exhausted nor bursting with energy. The word somewhat captures the middle ground, where something is noticeable but not very pronounced and definitely not extreme.
Vocabulary lists containing somewhat
Selection Vocabulary 3, Unit 1
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Lesson 1
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Vocabulary Review, Unit 5
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But astronomers’ ability to find any such planet remains somewhat limited by the restrictions of even unmanned space travel.
From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026
Raman, an urban planner, entered the mayoral race as somewhat of a surprise just before the filing deadline and shortly after she had already endorsed Bass.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
Perhaps that explains her perfunctory, somewhat rote speech — which still didn’t detract from the joy of her win.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
As Ryan Cooper writes in The American Prospect, one surprising factor that’s keeping the supply somewhat steady is been green energy.
From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026
He found a piece of driftwood, somewhat disgusting since it had been gnawed and bored and channeled by lower forms of life.
From "Abel's Island" by William Steig
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
