something

¹some·thing

pronoun \ˈsəm(p)-thiŋ, especially in rapid speech or for 2 ˈsəm-p^əm\

Definition of SOMETHING

1

a : some indeterminate or unspecified thing

b : some indeterminate amount more than a specified number —used in combination <twenty-something years old> <a group of fifty-somethings>

2

: a person or thing of consequence

3

: one having more or less the character, qualities, or nature of something different <is something of a bore>

— something else

: something or someone special or extraordinary

Examples of SOMETHING

1. Something came in the mail for you.
2. I thought I heard something outside.
3. He said something that really bothered me.
4. I started to say something but she interrupted me.
5. I have something to tell you.
6. There's something wrong with my car.
7. Something is going on at the school, but I don't know what.
8. “The job doesn't pay very well and the hours are long.” “I think you should look for something better.”
9. “They won't give us an extra week to finish, but they'll give us a couple of days.” “Well, that's something anyway.”
10. She thinks she's really something ever since her promotion.

First Known Use of SOMETHING

before 12th century

²something

adverb

Definition of SOMETHING

1

: in some degree : somewhat

2

—used as an intensive giving adverbial force to an adjective <swears something awful>

Examples of SOMETHING

1. The total repairs cost something over $300.
2. The movie was something like what I expected.

First Known Use of SOMETHING

13th century

Related to SOMETHING

Synonyms

enough, kindly [chiefly Southern], kind of, like, moderately, more or less, pretty, quite, rather, relatively, fairly, somewhat, sort of

Related Words

acceptably, decently, passably, tolerably; little, negligibly, nominally, slightly, vaguely; half, halfway, incompletely, part, partially, partly, partway

Near Antonyms

awfully, beastly, deadly, especially, exceedingly (also exceeding), exceptionally, extremely, frightfully, greatly, heavily, highly, hugely, mightily, mortally, particularly, surpassingly, terribly, very; considerably, extensively, significantly, substantially