somehow
/'sʌmhau/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- In some unspecified or unknown way or manner: Used to indicate that something happens or is done, but the specific method, reason, or cause is not known, clear, or stated.
- For some unspecified or unknown reason: Used to express that a feeling or situation exists without a clear or definite cause.
Usage and Examples
- Indicating an unspecified method:
- The car broke down, but we somehow managed to get home. (The method by which we got home is not specified; it was difficult or surprising.)
- I must get this report finished somehow by tomorrow. (It will be done by some means, even if it's difficult.)
- Indicating an unspecified reason:
- I don't trust him, somehow. (For a reason I can't fully explain, I don't trust him.)
- It somehow doesn't seem right to leave now. (For an unclear reason, it feels wrong.)
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Somehow or other": This is a more emphatic variant, stressing the uncertainty or the overcoming of difficulty.
- We'll get the money somehow or other. (We will find a way, no matter what.)
- Used to express that something happened despite low probability or significant obstacles.
- Against all odds, somehow the team won the championship.
- Can convey a sense of vagueness, mystery, or mild surprise about an outcome or feeling.
Variants and Related Words
- Someway (adverb, less common): In some way or manner. Often interchangeable with "somehow" when referring to method.
- He tried to make it someway acceptable.
- Somewise (adverb, archaic): In some manner.
Synonyms
- Someway: In some manner.
- By some means: Using an unspecified method.
- For some reason: Due to an unspecified cause.
Common Phrases and Collocations
- Manage somehow: To succeed in doing something despite difficulties.
- We have very little food, but we'll manage somehow.
- Get something done somehow: To complete a task by any necessary means.
- Feel somehow (about something): To have an indefinite or hard-to-define feeling.
Notes on Usage
- "Somehow" is often used in the middle or at the end of a clause.
- It is frequently used in contexts involving problem-solving, surprising outcomes, or unexplained feelings.
- Do not confuse with "somewhat," which means "to some degree" (e.g., ).
Adverb
- for some unspecified reason;
- It doesn't seem fair somehow
- he had me dead to rights but somehow I got away with it
- in some unspecified way or manner; or by some unspecified means
- they managed somehow
- he expected somehow to discover a woman who would love him
- he tried to make is someway acceptable