sort of
/ˈsɔɹt‿əv/
Word Rarity
Common
Frequency: Zipf frequency 5.00 in modern English
9
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
1
Syllables
5
Unique Chars
Meaning
adj
Preceded by a (and sometimes also followed by a): of a person, thing, etc.: similar but not identical to another person, thing, etc.
Informal
adv
Sometimes expressing hesitation, reluctance, etc.: to some extent but not entirely; approximately, in a way, not quite, somewhat.
Informal
Example Sentences
- "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."
- "This young lady, the daughter of my old friend and companion in arms, the richest heiress in Burgundy, has confessed a sort of a—what was I going to say?—in short, she is a fool, […]"
- "Nothing was too small to receive attention, if a supervising eye could suggest improvements likely to conduce to the common welfare. Mr. Gordon Burnage, for instance, personally visited dust-bins and back premises, accompanied by a sort of village bailiff, going his round like a commanding officer doing billets."
- "'I understand that the district was considered a sort of sanctuary,' the Chief was saying. 'An Alsatia like the ancient one behind the Strand, or Saffron Hill before the First World War. They tell me there was a recognized swag-market down here.'"
- "It sort of makes sense the way he explains it, but I still don’t really understand."
- "A Yankee girl, who wished to hire herself out, was asked if she had any followers, or sweethearts? After a little hesitation, she replied, "Well, now, can't exactly say; I bees a sorter courted, and a sorter not; reckon more a sorter yes than a sorter no.""
Etymology
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˈsɔɹt‿əv/
- British English: /ˈsɔːt‿əv/