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

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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

See Examples For:

insofar

If there’s one issue that unites Americans from left to right, it’s that Epstein was a world-class scumbag, and his death unfortunate only insofar as it meant he never truly saw justice.

From Slate ● Oct. 27, 2026

"But this is a lever that is sort of unexplored insofar as targeting anything touching the US dollar that is also touching Iran," Parker added.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

The bold prediction raises an interesting issue, insofar as investors must ponder what will happen to the market after an influential bank tells clients to prepare for higher all-time highs.

From Barron's ● Jun. 3, 2026

This is positive for other countries insofar as cheaper Chinese goods boost purchasing power.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 6, 2025

He explained, stiffly and simply, that he was in kemmer and had been trying to avoid me, insofar as one of us could avoid the other.

From "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

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Related Words

• inasmuch as

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