insofar
Americanadverb
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.
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.
“We do not expect the increased borrowing to reflect negatively on Thailand’s sovereign credit rating, insofar as effective fiscal stimulus will boost GDP,” they say.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026
On the other hand, insofar as inflation expectations can reset higher in response to commodity price shocks, the Fed might need to engage in tightening that they would otherwise look to avoid.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
When I took their pictures, they hadn't been to Hamburg, insofar as I knew...
From BBC • Dec. 27, 2025
A look back offers some clues, though it should be said no two election cycles are alike and the past is only illuminating insofar as it casts light on certain patterns.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2025
At least insofar as his wardrobe was con-cerned.
From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin
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.
