Somehow

/ˈsʌmhaʊ/

adverbBeginner🔥Very CommonManner
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

1

By some means; in some unspecified way; for some reason.

/ˈsʌmhaʊ/

adverbneutralBeginner
Manner

In a way not known or specified

The package arrived somehow, even though I didn't order anything.

💡 Simply: It's like when you want something to happen, but you're not exactly sure HOW it will, but you have faith it will. Like, 'I don't know *how* I'll finish this essay, but I'll *somehow* get it done!'

👶 For kids: When something happens, but we don't know exactly how it happened.

More Examples

2

She managed to finish the marathon, somehow.

3

I'll find a way to do it somehow.

How It's Used

General Conversation

"I'm not sure how, but the problem somehow solved itself."

Problem-solving

"We need to figure out somehow to get the project completed by the deadline."

Science

"The scientist observed that the reaction somehow triggered the formation of new compounds."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

somehow or other

In a way not yet known or determined.

"We'll get the job done somehow or other."

From Old English *sume hwā (dative *sumum hwām), literally 'in some way'. It evolved through Middle English and retains the same core meaning.

Used similarly throughout its history, with examples dating back to Old English texts where it indicated an unknown method or cause.

Memory tip

Think of an event that occurs without an obvious explanation.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"In some way"

manage somehowfigure out somehowget there somehowarrived somehow

Common misspellings

sumhowsomhow

Usage

65%Spoken
35%Written