What does something mean?
“Something” is an indefinite pronoun used to refer to a thing, person, matter, event, or idea without identifying it precisely. It appears in statements such as “There is something wrong,” where the important point is that an unspecified condition exists, and in comparisons such as “something like a miracle,” where a rough approximation is intended. The word can also imply vague significance, as in “He has done something remarkable,” or convey a limited degree, especially in expressions such as “something of a poet” and “something like that.” Although its meaning is deliberately broad, “something” is more useful than a merely indefinite alternative because it often carries emotional emphasis or suggests that the referent is noteworthy. Its familiar conversational tone and flexible syntax make it common in speech, while careful formal writing may prefer a more exact noun.
An indefinite pronoun referring to a person, thing, event, matter, or idea that is not precisely identified.
"We have something else to discuss after the meeting."
Very common in everyday speech; often used to assert that something exists without naming it.
Informally, a person or thing of an unspecified kind, especially one characterized by a particular quality or status.
"She has become something of an authority in the field."
The construction “something of a” is especially familiar and means roughly “somewhat of a” or “a kind of.”
To some degree or amount, especially in the expressions “something like” and “something of.”
"The finish was something rougher than we had expected."
Less common than the pronoun use and often informal or conversational.
Rare in modern usage; when used, it refers collectively to vaguely specified things, qualities, or concerns.
"There are still some unexplained somethings in the account."
A masterpiece of vagueness, “something” lets us mention what matters without committing to exactly what it is.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of something
“Something” is a compound formed in Middle English from “some” and “thing.” Both elements are Germanic in origin: “some” developed from Old English sum, while “thing” descends from Old English þing, originally meaning a matter, affair, or assembly. The combination allowed the word to refer generally to an unspecified entity or matter and later to an indefinite quantity, quality, or degree.
Related word forms
How something is actually used
In everyday use, “something” is especially common in existential statements, comparisons, and the phrase “something of a,” meaning “somewhat of a” or “a kind of.” The construction “something like” can mean approximately similar to.
Easily confused with something
“Something” names an unspecified thing or matters, whereas “somewhat” means to some degree or amount.
“Someone” refers to an unspecified person, while “something” normally refers to a thing, idea, or matter.