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.
“These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the front-runner for governor,” he said in a statement, overstating somewhat his status in the neck-and-neck gubernatorial race.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
Vance sounded somewhat upbeat about the talks in Pakistan as he spoke to reporters on Friday just before his departure — though he warned Iran as well.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026
“They would stay somewhat higher for a longer period of time,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
In comparison, discussion about whether his game is there to secure a rare back-to-back Masters win felt somewhat neglected.
From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026
“I did not send you, I suggested it,” Clare said, somewhat defensively.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
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.
