Somehow: meaning, definitions and examples

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somehow

[ˈsʌmˌhaʊ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in an unknown or unspecified way

In a way or by some means that is not known or is not specified. In a way that is not known or certain, somehow he managed to survive. In some way not made clear, somehow she had acquired a new dress. By some means not explained, somehow the door had been left unlocked.

Synonyms

by some means, for some reason, in some way.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
somehow	Given that it's repeated, the explanation remains the same as the first 'somehow'. Somehow, she convinced them to change their mind Somehow, the dog found its way back home
in some way	When referring to an unspecified manner or method of doing something. We need to fix the issue in some way He was involved in the project in some way, though I'm not sure how
by some means	When you are referring to an uncertain method or way to achieve something. We need to secure the funding by some means We'll have to reach the top of the mountain by some means
for some reason	When you want to indicate that there is an unknown or unspecified reason for something happening. For some reason, the meeting was canceled without notice For some reason, she felt nervous about the interview

Examples of usage

Somehow, she found the strength to keep going.
He managed to escape somehow.
Somehow, he always knows what to say.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Originated from combining 'some' and 'how' in Middle English around the 15th century.
The term has evolved to encompass a sense of uncertainty or ambiguity in describing actions or outcomes.

Psychology

Using this word can reflect a person's acceptance of unpredictability in life, indicating adaptability.
It showcases a positive cognitive bias where individuals focus on solutions rather than problems.

Literature

Commonly found in narratives to express surprise or unexpected twists in stories.
Authors often use the term to convey characters’ feelings of confusion or wonder at circumstances.

Pop Culture

Frequently appears in songs and movies when characters face unexpected challenges but find a way through them.
The use of this word often adds an element of relatable struggle, resonating with audiences.

Communication

People use this word in conversations to express their realization of an outcome without the need for a detailed explanation.
It can serve to create a sense of shared understanding in dialogues, emphasizing mystery and surprise.

Translations

Translations of the word "somehow" in other languages:

🇵🇹 de alguma forma

🇮🇳 किसी तरह

🇩🇪 irgendwie

🇮🇩 entah bagaimana

🇺🇦 якимось чином

🇵🇱 jakoś

🇯🇵 どうにかして

🇫🇷 d'une manière ou d'une autre

🇪🇸 de alguna manera

🇹🇷 bir şekilde

🇰🇷 어떻게든

🇸🇦 بطريقة ما

🇨🇿 nějak

🇸🇰 nejako

🇨🇳 以某种方式

🇸🇮 nekako

🇮🇸 einhvern veginn

🇰🇿 бір жолмен

🇬🇪 როგორღაც

🇦🇿 nə isə bir şəkildə

🇲🇽 de alguna manera

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,978, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3975 zinc
3976 zones
3977 fourteen
3978 somehow
3979 ruled
3980 alternatives
3981 outlined
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