somewhat

Somewhat is an English adverb used to indicate a moderate degree or extent. It modifies adjectives, participles, or entire clauses, softening or qualifying the force of what follows. For example: The soup was somewhat salty; The plan is somewhat behind schedule; This result is somewhat surprising. It can also appear in the idiom somewhat of a … to quantify a noun phrase: somewhat of a problem, somewhat of a mystery.

Somewhat originated in Middle English as a compound of some and what, historically meaning to some extent or in some way. The word has long circulated in both formal and informal registers, though it tends to appear more often in written or carefully spoken English than in casual conversation.

In modern usage, somewhat sits between lighter modifiers such as a little and stronger ones like fairly or rather. It can be used with a wide range of adjectives and participles, but it generally signals a modest or tentative degree rather than an extreme one. The phrase somewhat of a adds a similar hedging effect to a noun phrase, as in somewhat of a problem. Because it moderates rather than intensifies, somewhat is commonly chosen to maintain a neutral, precise or cautious tone.

See also: degree adverbs, hedging, modifiers, rather, fairly.