B2adverb2K

Somewhat

UK /["/ˈsʌmwɒt/"]/US /["/ˈsʌmwʌt/"]/

Definition

to some degree

In simple words: To a certain degree or extent.

Examples

**somewhat different/similar**
I was somewhat surprised to see him.
The situation has changed somewhat since we last met.
What happened to them remains **somewhat of** a mystery.
My options are somewhat limited.
Her version of what happened was somewhat different.
The minister was looking somewhat bemused.
The singer, somewhat surprisingly, refused to accept this.
The system had already been used, albeit somewhat differently, by Marx.

Usage notes

Use 'somewhat' when you want to describe something that is not completely true but partially so. It's neutral, so it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Think of 'some' + 'what', like having some of a little bit.

Collocations

somewhat related
somewhat different
somewhat surprised
somewhat difficult
somewhat helpful

Synonyms

rather

Antonyms

completely
totally
absolutely

Common mistakes

'Somewhat' used incorrectly as an adjective.
Confused with 'somewhat like' in contexts where 'somewhat' doesn’t need a comparison.
Overusing 'somewhat' in sentences where a stronger adverb is necessary.