SINCE 1828

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1

something

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pronoun some·thing \ ˈsəm(p)-thiŋ , especially in rapid speech or for sense 2 ˈsəm-pᵊm \

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

See something defined for English-language learners

See something defined for kids

Examples of something in a Sentence

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

First Known Use of something

before 12th century

2

something

adverb

Definition of something

1 :in some degree :somewhat

2 —used as an intensive giving adverbial force to an adjective

swears something awful

See something defined for English-language learners

Examples of something in a Sentence

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

First Known Use of something

13th century

something Synonyms

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

SOMETHING Defined for English Language Learners

something

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pronoun

Definition of something for English Language Learners

: a thing that is not known, named, or specified
: a person or thing that is important or worth noticing
: an amount that is more than a specified number

something

adverb

Definition of something for English Language Learners

: in a very small amount or degree : somewhat or slightly
—used before an adjective that is being used like an adverb to add emphasis

SOMETHING Defined for Kids

something

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pronoun some·thing \ ˈsəm-thiŋ \

Definition of something for Students

1 :a thing that is not known or named

We'll have to do something about it.

2 :a thing or amount that is clearly known but not named

I have something for you.

3 :somewhat

She is something of an expert.

Learn More about something

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for something Spanish Central: Translation of something Nglish: Translation of something for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of something for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

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WORD OF THE DAY

broadside

play

a strongly worded attack

BROWSE DICTIONARY

somesthesia

somesthetic receptor

something

something/anything of the kind

something fierce

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Let us defuse the situation.

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Irregardless

It is in fact a real word (but that doesn't mean you should use it).

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Weird Plurals

One goose, two geese. One moose, two... moose. What's up with that?

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Word Winder's CrossWinder

A game of winding words.

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Examples: something in a Sentence