SINCE 1828

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something of

idiom

Definition of something of

: to some degree —used to make a statement or description less forceful or definite

He is something of an expert with car repair.

We have something of a problem here.

The movie was something of a disappointment.

Word by Word Definitions

something play

: some indeterminate or unspecified thing
: some indeterminate amount more than a specified number
: a person or thing of consequence

: in some degree : somewhat
used as an intensive giving adverbial force to an adjective

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Seen and Heard

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WORD OF THE DAY

slew

play

a large number

Words at Play

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The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

"In point" only lives in this phrase.

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‘Sleight’ or ‘Slight’ of Hand?

Watch closely and be amazed.

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'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

The distinction is clear (now).

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

When English borrows from another alphabet

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2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

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Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

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Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

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Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

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More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

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Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

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SCRABBLE® Sprint

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