somewhat
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈsʌmˌwʌt/
KK: /sʌmˌwʌt/
adverb
Definition
To a certain extent or degree; not completely but more than a little.
Example
I am somewhat tired after the long journey.
Conversation
How do you feel about the new restaurant in town?
I think it's somewhat better than the last one we tried.
Really? I expected it to be just okay.
Yeah, it surprised me somewhat with its flavors!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fairly
partly
moderately
Antonyms
completely
entirely
wholly
pronoun
Definition
To a certain degree or extent; not completely or entirely.
Example
The news was somewhat of a surprise.
Conversation
Did you hear about the concert next week?
Yeah, I heard it was somewhat popular last time.
I wasn't sure if it would be worth going.
Root Explanation
Somewhat is formed from "some" (from Old English "sum", meaning a certain amount or number) and "-what" (from Old English "hwæt", meaning what or how much). The word "somewhat" refers to a certain amount or degree of something, indicating a moderate or limited extent.
Memory Tip
Think of 'some' as a certain amount and '-what' as asking about how much — together, they help you remember that 'somewhat' means a certain degree or amount.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.