insofar

American  

[in-suh-fahr, -soh-] / ˌɪn səˈfɑr, -soʊ- /

adverb

1. to such an extent (usually followed byas ).

   I will do the work insofar as I am able.

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Etymology

Origin of insofar

First recorded in 1590–1600; originally phrase in so far

Explanation

Use insofar to mean "as much" or "to the extent." You might, for example, say, "I will get my math homework done insofar as I can. The adverb insofar is somewhat old fashioned and uncommon these days, but it's a good way to talk about doing something to a certain degree or extent. You might accuse your boss of treating her employees well only insofar that it improves her business, or decide that math is only interesting to you insofar as it seems useful in daily life. The British form of insofar is in so far.

Related Words

• inasmuch as