Refine this word faster
Sort of
//ˈsɔːt‿əv// adj, adv, slang
Definitions
Adjective
- 1 Preceded by a (and sometimes also followed by a): of a person, thing, etc.: similar but not identical to another person, thing, etc. informal, not-comparable
"Sandals, bound with thongs made of boars' hide, protected the feet, and a sort of roll of thin leather was twined artificially round the legs, and, ascending above the calf, left the knees bare, like those of a Scottish Highlander."
Adverb
- 1 Sometimes expressing hesitation, reluctance, etc.: to some extent but not entirely; approximately, in a way, not quite, somewhat. informal, not-comparable
"It sort of makes sense the way he explains it, but I still don’t really understand."
Adverb
- 1 to some (great or small) extent wordnet
Etymology
Etymology 1
From sort (noun) + of. The adverbial use is derived from the use of the term as an adjective in phrases such as “a sort of [something]”.
Etymology 2
From sort (noun) + of. The adverbial use is derived from the use of the term as an adjective in phrases such as “a sort of [something]”.
See also for "sort of"
Next best steps
Mini challenge
Unscramble this word: sortof