somewhat

[ suhm-hwuht, -hwot, -hwuht, -wuht, -wot, -wuht ]

adverb

1. in some measure or degree; to some extent:

   not angry, just somewhat disturbed.

noun

1. some part, portion, amount, etc.

somewhat

/ ˈsʌmˌwɒt /

adverb

1. not used with a negative rather; a bit

   she found it somewhat less easy than he

Word History and Origins

Origin of somewhat¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English; some + what

Example Sentences

Only somewhat less jaw-dropping is Trump’s choice of former Texas Rep. John Ratcliffe to be CIA director.

From Slate

The two men sat in the Oval Office and shook hands, a somewhat disorienting image given their history of volatile public feuds.

From Salon

“By the time I looked up from that moment, all my Fox guys had their hands over their hearts, the national anthem’s playing. I somewhat panic and I’m like, ‘Do I be the fool that puts his hand over his heart after or do I just stand here with my hand in front of me respectfully?’

From Los Angeles Times

Centennial is finally somewhat healthy, with injured players back on the offensive line, plus quarterback Husan Longstreet and running back Malachi Robey.

From Los Angeles Times

The latest poll from the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies, co-sponsored by The Times, found that if Harris enters California’s crowded 2026 gubernatorial race, nearly half of voters would be very or somewhat likely to support her.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• a little
• considerably
• fairly
• far
• kind of
• moderately
• partially
• pretty
• quite
• rather
• significantly
• slightly