so

/sou/

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The word "so" is a versatile English word primarily used as an adverb. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand it better:

Basic Explanation:

1. As an Adverb:
   • Intensity: "So" is often used to emphasize something. For example, "I am so happy!" means you are very happy.
   • Conclusion: It can introduce a logical conclusion. For example, "It is raining, so we should stay inside." This means because it is raining, staying inside is a good idea.
   • Degree: It expresses an extent or degree. For instance, "It was so cold that I wore a jacket." This means it was very cold.

Usage Instructions:

• Emphasizing Feelings: Use "so" to show strong emotions or states.

  • Example: "I was so tired after the long day."

• Making Conclusions: Use "so" to connect two ideas logically.

  • Example: "She studied hard, so she passed the exam."

• Describing Conditions: Use "so" to describe how something is done or the degree of something.

  • Example: "He runs so fast!"

Advanced Usage:

• Subsequently: "So" can imply something that happens next or as a result.

  • Example: "I finished my homework, so I went out to play."

• In a Manner: It can describe the manner in which something is done.

  • Example: "He spoke so softly that I could barely hear him."

Word Variants:

• So much/so many: Used to express a large quantity.

  • Example: "There are so many stars in the sky."

• So that: Used to express purpose.

  • Example: "She saved money so that she could travel."

Different Meanings:

• In Music: "So" can also refer to a musical note in solfège, which is the fifth note of the scale.

Synonyms:

• Very: "I am very happy." (similar emphasis)
• Thus: "It was late, thus we left." (logical conclusion)
• Therefore: "He is sick; therefore, he won't come." (logical conclusion)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "So far, so good": This means things are going well up to this point.
• "So what?": Used to express indifference or that something is not important.

Example Sentences:

1. Emphasis: "She was so excited about the party!"
2. Logical Conclusion: "It was getting late, so we decided to leave."
3. Degree: "He is so skilled at playing the guitar!"
4. Condition: "I hope they are happy and will remain so."

Conclusion:

"So" is a powerful word that helps convey strong feelings, logical connections, and conditions.

Academic

Adverb

1. in truth (often tends to intensify)
   • they said the car would break down and indeed it did
   • it is very cold indeed
   • was indeed grateful
   • indeed, the rain may still come
   • he did so do it!
2. (used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
   • therefore X must be true
   • the eggs were fresh and hence satisfactory
   • we were young and thence optimistic
   • it is late and thus we must go
   • the witness is biased and so cannot be trusted
3. subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
   • then he left
   • go left first, then right
   • first came lightning, then thunder
   • we watched the late movie and then went to bed
   • and so home and to bed
4. (usually followed by `that') to an extent or degree as expressed
   • he was so tired he could hardly stand
   • so dirty that it smells
5. in the way indicated; (`thusly' is a nonstandard variant)
   • hold the brush so
   • set up the pieces thus
6. in the same way; also
   • I was offended and so was he
   • worked hard and so did she
7. to a certain unspecified extent or degree
   • I can only go so far with this student
   • can do only so much in a day
8. in such a condition or manner, especially as expressed or implied
   • They're happy and I hope they will remain so
   • so live your life that old age will bring no regrets
9. in a manner that facilitates
   • he observed the snakes so he could describe their behavior
   • he stooped down so he could pick up his hat
10. to a very great extent or degree
    • the idea is so obvious
    • never been so happy
    • I love you so
    • my head aches so!

Noun

1. the syllable naming the fifth (dominant) note of any musical scale in solmization

Synonyms

• indeed
• therefore
• hence
• thence
• thus
• then
• and so
• and then
• thusly
• sol
• soh