Words / B2

SUMW-ot/ˈsʌmwɒt/

Somewhat means to some degree; rather (slightly formal): somewhat small; somewhat surprising. Rather is the close twin; slightly is weaker. The sample is somewhat small. Mix-up: somehow is “in some unknown way” (previous entry). Do not stack somewhat with very.

Meaning

To some degree; rather (slightly formal).

Examples

• “The sample is somewhat small, so do not over-generalise the finding.”
• “The tone is somewhat ironic, which is the literature sense.”

Good to know

somewhat + adjective / adverb. Close: rather. Contrast: somehow (unknown how). Methods and evaluations. Degree, not mystery.

Near in meaning

rather

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