somewhat

The word “somewhat” means to a limited or moderate degree; not completely. In plain terms, a little, or to some extent — softening a description rather than saying it fully applies.

“Somewhat” is pronounced SUHM-wot (/ˈsʌmwʌt/ in IPA).

Here is “somewhat” used in a sentence: “The results were somewhat disappointing.”

“Somewhat” is an adverb.

“Somewhat” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Both soften a statement, but they differ in degree. Slightly means to a very small extent, barely noticeable. Somewhat means to a moderate but still limited degree — more than slightly, less than very. Something somewhat cold is cooler than something slightly cold, though neither is extreme.

Somewhat is fairly neutral and leans slightly formal, so it fits comfortably in writing, reports, and polite speech. In casual conversation, people often reach for kind of, a bit, or a little instead. Using somewhat can make a sentence sound measured and considered rather than offhand.

You might say the results were somewhat disappointing, meaning disappointing to a moderate degree but not entirely. Other examples include I was somewhat surprised, or the room felt somewhat cramped. In each case, somewhat tones the statement down, showing the quality is present but not to a full extent.