etwa
about · approximately · perhaps
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Definition & meaning
The German word etwa is an adverb with several related functions:
- Approximately / About: Used to indicate an estimate of numbers, times, or quantities.
- Example: Es dauert etwa eine Stunde. (It takes about an hour.)
- For example / Such as: Used to introduce an example.
- Example: Man könnte etwa einen neuen Plan erstellen. (One could, for example, create a new plan.)
- By any chance / Perhaps: Used in questions to express surprise or to clarify a suspicion.
- Example: Hast du etwa den Schlüssel verloren? (Have you lost the key, by any chance?)
- Actually / Really: Used in negative rhetorical questions to express disbelief.
- Example: Glaubst du etwa, das interessiert mich? (Do you actually think I care about that?)
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar: etwa is an uninflected adverb. It is often placed before the number or quantity it modifies, or used as a modal particle in questions or exclamations.
Origin: The word originates from Middle High German etewie or etewaz, composed of ete (a prefix indicating indefinite existence, related to etwas ) and wa (related to wie or was ).
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- ungefähr (approximately)
- zirka (about)
- circa (about)
- beispielsweise (for example)
- zum Beispiel (for instance)
- etlichermaßen (to some extent)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Er hat etwa 200 Euro im Portemonnaie.adverb
He has about 200 euros in his wallet.
Das Buch kostet etwa zwanzig Euro.adverb
The book costs approximately twenty euros.
Sie kommt etwa um drei Uhr an.adverb
She arrives at about three o'clock.
Hast du etwas zu essen, etwa einen Apfel?adverb
Do you have something to eat, perhaps an apple?
Er wiegt etwa 80 Kilogramm.adverb
He weighs approximately 80 kilograms.
Hast du etwa den Schlüssel vergessen?adverb
Did you perhaps forget the key?
Er hat etwa gleich viele Bücher wie ich.adverb
He has about as many books as I do.
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