so
so
soʊ
sow
British pronunciation
/səʊ/
01

to such a large or extreme extent, often expressing intensity or quantity

so definition and meaning
example
Examples
The music was so loud I could n't hear myself think.
She ran so fast that no one could catch her.
example
Examples
She looked so beautiful at the party last night.
He said he loved me so!
1.2

to some extent or degree, not precisely defined but understood to be limited

example
Examples
I can only help you so much before I run out of time.
You should eat so much sugar every day, but not more.
1.3

to the extent or degree implied or referenced

example
Examples
I had never been so excited in my entire life.
I 've never felt so nervous before a presentation.
1.4

accompanied by a physical gesture to show size, length, or amount

example
Examples
The fish was about so long.
She said the dress was only so big.
02

used to affirm or confirm a statement with certainty

InformalInformal
example
Examples
You did so win the contest fair and square.
He was so the best candidate for the job.
2.1

used especially in speech to stress disbelief, denial, or strong negative reaction

example
Examples
That is so not fair, Lily!
I so do n't believe what you're saying.
03

used to indicate similarity in degree compared to something else

example
Examples
He is n't so good as you all might think.
This movie was n't so exciting as the last one.
04

used to refer back to an idea, statement, or fact mentioned earlier

example
Examples
You 're moving next month? I heard so.
You said you were coming; I assume so.
4.1

used to indicate that something else is true in a similar way

example
Examples
Times have changed, and so have I.
She did n't attend the party, and so did her friends.
4.2

used to refer back to an adjective or quality previously mentioned

example
Examples
She 's kind and thoughtful, and more so than anyone else I know.
The team worked hard, and even more so in the final round.
4.3

used to show agreement with a previous statement

example
Examples
" The soup tastes great. " — " So it does. "
" That was a long day. " — " So it was. "
05

in the manner or method shown or mentioned

example
Examples
Tie the knot so.
Hold your hands so.
06

used to mark a sequence of actions or events

example
Examples
He finished work, and so went home.
They met for coffee, and so talked for hours.
07

used to introduce a new topic, comment, or transition in speech or writing

example
Examples
So here we are, finally in Paris.
So let's get started, shall we?
7.1

used to present a declaration that anticipates disagreement or judgment

example
Examples
So I overslept, no one was waiting on me anyway.
So I cried a little, everyone has emotions!
08

used to open a direct question, often as a conversational starter

example
Examples
So, what did you do today?
So, where are we going for dinner?
8.1

used to extend or deepen a line of inquiry

example
Examples
So what did he do about it?
So how did she react to the news?
8.2

used to express indifference or to question the importance of something

example
Examples
So what if he did n't come?
So what if I was late?
09

used to wrap up a conversation or argument, often with finality

example
Examples
So we've reached the end of the journey.
So now you know the whole truth.
10

used to refer to an approximate quantity, number, or extent

example
Examples
The project will cost fifty thousand dollars or so.
We need a hundred volunteers or so for the event.
01

used to introduce a consequence or result of the preceding clause

so definition and meaning
example
Examples
It was still painful, so I went to see a specialist.
She had n't eaten all day, so she felt dizzy.
1.1

used to indicate an outcome or unintended consequence of an action

example
Examples
The instructions were unclear, so that no one followed them properly.
He skipped all his classes, so that he failed the course.
02

used to indicate purpose or intention behind an action

example
Examples
They whisper to each other so that no one else can hear.
I'll explain everything slowly so that you understand.
03

used to draw a parallel or analogy between two clauses

example
Examples
Just as bad money drives out good, so does bad art drive out the good.
Just as you reap what you sow, so must you live with your choices.
01

the syllable used in musical solmization to represent the fifth note of a scale

example
Examples
The melody resolves beautifully on so.
She practiced singing the scale from do to so repeatedly.
01

used to show sudden understanding, surprise, or disagreement in response to new information

example
Examples
So! You finally decided to tell me the truth.
So! You think you can beat me at chess?
01

accurate, correct, or as stated

example
Examples
She denied the rumors because they were not so.
The witness confirmed that the statements made were so.
02

arranged or done precisely and correctly

example
Examples
He adjusted the painting until it was so on the wall.
The table settings must be so for the formal dinner.
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