something
SMTHIHNG
Something (pronoun) means an unspecified or unknown thing. Example: “There's something wrong with the printer.”
pronoun
1
An unspecified or unknown thing.
"There's something wrong with the printer."
"I need to tell you something important."
"Can I get you something to drink while you wait?"
noun
1
A quality or talent that is hard to define but noticeable.
"She has that special something that makes audiences love her."
"That band has something that makes you want to keep listening."
"The old house had something about it that made visitors feel welcome."
How to use something
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn unnamed thing, or an indefinable special quality someone or something has.
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Word forms
- Plural
- somethings
- Third person singular
- somethings
- Past tense
- somethinged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There's _____ wrong with the printer.
Etymology
From Old English sum þing, literally "some thing".
Synonyms
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a thing
a certain thing
an unknown thing
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for something
See all rhymes for something →Frequently asked questions
What does “something” mean?
The word “something” means an unspecified or unknown thing. In plain terms, an unnamed thing, or an indefinable special quality someone or something has.
How do you pronounce “something”?
“Something” is pronounced SMTHIHNG ([ˈsʌm(p)θɪŋ] in IPA).
How do you use “something” in a sentence?
Here is “something” used in a sentence: “There's something wrong with the printer.”
What part of speech is “something”?
Depending on how it is used, “something” can be a pronoun and a noun.
Where does the word “something” come from?
The word “something” comes from Old English. From Old English sum þing, literally "some thing".
Is “something” a common word?
“Something” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “something” have?
“Something” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an unspecified or unknown thing.
What is the difference between 'something' and 'anything'?
'Something' usually appears in positive statements and refers to a particular, if unnamed, thing — 'I heard something.' 'Anything' is used in questions and negatives, or when the thing is completely open — 'I didn't hear anything.' Something suggests one real thing exists, while anything covers every possibility or none at all.
Is 'something' singular or plural?
'Something' is singular and takes a singular verb — 'something is wrong,' not 'something are wrong.' Even though the thing it refers to is unknown, grammar treats it as one item. The plural idea is expressed with a different phrase, such as 'some things,' written as two separate words.
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