to what extent

American

[too wuht ik-stent, wot, hwuht, hwot] / ˌtu ˈwʌt ɪkˈstɛnt, ˈwɒt, ˈʰwʌt, ˈʰwɒt /

idiom

to how great a degree; how much, how far, how well, etc..

To what extent were you acquainted with the deceased?
These tests will help determine to what extent his memory has deteriorated.

Etymology

Origin of to what extent

First recorded in 1615–25

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.

If you work for an organization with hundreds of employees, check to what extent any staffing cut or reduction in hours occurs “across all ages,” James said.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

It’s unclear to what extent is the LLM going to correct you versus saying you’re great.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

It is yet to be seen to what extent other parties will refuse to co-operate with Reform, which will have a prominent role in committees and at set-piece events such as First Minister's Questions.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, another liberal, asked to what extent country conditions are taken into account in deciding to remove TPS status.

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

Franny saw that he was irritated, and to what extent, but, for the moment, with equal parts of self-disapproval and malice, she felt like speaking her mind.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023