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
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Lesson 1
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Vocabulary Review, Unit 5
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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.
"The whole group getting back together makes it way more interesting and feels somewhat like Euphoria again," he says, though he adds the plot is still "ridiculous".
From BBC • May 30, 2026
Zamora is a member of the teachers union and, based on her responses in a candidate survey, seems somewhat less critical of charters than Rivas.
From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026
While energy stocks have benefited from higher oil and natural-gas prices since the Iran war began, pipelines tend to be somewhat insulated from price swings because they often operate on long-term contracts with producers,
From Barron's • May 26, 2026
Whether this is intentional behavior born of the arrogance of power or a symptom of a deteriorating mental state is somewhat beside the point.
From Salon • May 26, 2026
Jefferson noted, somewhat gratuitously, that perhaps in New England vestiges of feudalism remained and thereby misled Adams.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
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.
