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.
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
Finally, insofar as Kagan cited to legislative history, she did so only briefly and in a footnote.
From Slate • Mar. 4, 2026
This is positive for other countries insofar as cheaper Chinese goods boost purchasing power.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 6, 2025
The bank’s top executives stated in a letter to clients that it can weather the damage, insofar as it has $10.5 billion in equity and $11.5 billion in cash on hand.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 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
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.
