gewissermassen
to a certain extent · to some extent
Definition & meaning
The German adverb "gewissermaßen" is used to qualify a statement, indicating that something is true in a specific sense, to a certain degree, or from a particular perspective. It acts as a modal particle or hedge, suggesting that while a description might not be 100% literal or exhaustive, it is accurate for all practical purposes or in a metaphorical way.
It can be translated as:
- "to a certain extent"
- "in a way"
- "so to speak"
- "after a fashion"
- "as it were"
Example: "Er ist gewissermaßen der Anführer der Gruppe." (He is, in a way, the leader of the group.)
Grammar & Word origin
"Gewissermaßen" is a compound word formed from two parts:
- Gewisser: Derived from the adjective gewiss (certain/sure).
- Maßen: The plural form of Maß (measure).
Literally, it translates to "in certain measures" or "in a certain manner." Grammatically, it functions as an adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, or entire clauses. It is often written as one word, though older spellings or stylistic variations occasionally show it as two words (gewisser Maßen).
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- teilweise (partly)
- in gewisser Weise [?](vocabuo://word/in gewisser Weise) (in a certain way)
- sozusagen (so to speak)
- bis zu einem gewissen Grad [?](vocabuo://word/bis zu einem gewissen Grad) (up to a certain degree)
- gewissermaßen (virtually)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Das Ergebnis ist gewissermaßen vorhersehbar.adverb
The result is predictable to a certain extent.
Sie haben gewissermaßen recht mit ihrer Annahme.adverb
They are right to some extent with their assumption.
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