something
something
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "something" is /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/.
First syllable (/sʌm/):
/s/: voiceless alveolar sibilant
/ʌ/: near-open central unrounded vowel
/m/: voiced bilabial nasal
Second syllable (/θɪŋ/):
/θ/: voiceless dental fricative
/ɪ/: near-close near-front unrounded vowel
/ŋ/: voiced velar nasal
Word Form Variations
The word "something" is an indefinite pronoun and does not have typical singular, plural, or other inflectional variations like most nouns or verbs. It is used as a singular concept.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
I. Pronoun
Definition: An unspecified or unknown thing, item, or entity.
Synonyms: anything, a thing, a certain thing, a particular thing
Antonyms: nothing, nobody, nowhere (in certain contexts, implying complete absence)
Example: "There's something in your eye."
Definition: An important or significant, though unspecified, quality or characteristic.
Synonyms: a quality, a characteristic, an essence, a certain quality
Antonyms: nothing of consequence, insignificance
Example: "She has something special about her."
Definition: A noteworthy or remarkable achievement or occurrence.
Synonyms: an achievement, a feat, a success, a remarkable event
Antonyms: failure, nothing of note, a disappointment
Example: "Winning that award was really something."
II. Adverb (Informal)
Definition: To some extent or degree; somewhat. (Often used informally to soften a statement or indicate approximation.)
Synonyms: somewhat, rather, a little, sort of, kind of
Antonyms: completely, entirely, not at all
Example: "He's something of a genius."
Examples of Use
Books:
"There was something about the way he said it—a slight hesitation, a flicker in his eyes—that made her doubt his sincerity." (From a work of fiction, exact title and author unavailable)
"Indeed, it is something of a paradox that the most innovative solutions often arise from the most constrained circumstances." (From an academic text on problem-solving, exact title and author unavailable)
Newspapers:
"Officials are investigating something suspicious found near the old factory building, though details remain scarce." ( The Daily Herald)
"The recent economic downturn has left many feeling like something needs to be done to stimulate growth and create jobs." (The Financial Times)
Online Publications:
"For years, there’s been something unsettling about the way certain tech giants collect user data without explicit consent." ( Wired)
"If you're looking for something new to binge-watch this weekend, our critics have compiled a list of must-see shows." (IGN.com)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "There's something wrong with this picture." (A common line used in thrillers and mysteries, e.g., The Sixth Sense, 1999)
Music: "And if you want something to cling to, hold on to something that you believe." (Lyrics from "Something to Believe In" by Poison, 1990)
Television: "We need to find something that links all these disappearances." (A detective character in a crime procedural, exact show and episode unavailable)
Video Games: "You've found something valuable! Add it to your inventory." (Common dialogue in role-playing games, e.g., The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, 2011)
General Public Discourse:
"I heard something interesting at the meeting today about the new project." (Heard in a casual conversation)
"Could you please get me something to drink? I'm really thirsty." (Common request)
"He's always got something up his sleeve, you know, some new idea." (Colloquial expression)
"There's just something about a fresh cup of coffee in the morning that makes everything better." (Everyday observation)
10 Quotes Using Something
"There is something in the unselfish and untiring love of a brute animal that goes straight to the heart of him who has had frequent occasion to test the paltry friendship and fleeting fidelity of man." (Edgar Allan Poe)
"Do something today that your future self will thank you for." (Sean Patrick Flanery)
"If you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done." (Thomas Jefferson)
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle." (Steve Jobs)
"When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor." (Elon Musk)
"There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk a bottle of champagne — or two." (Karen Blixen)
"Life is something like a trumpet. If you don't put anything into it, you won't get anything out of it." (W.C. Handy)
"If you find something you love, you'll never work a day in your life." (Attributed to Confucius)
"The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man." (Unknown, often attributed to something about conservation)
"If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants. " (Isaac Newton)
Etymology
The word "something" is quite old! It comes from Old English, which was spoken before the year 1150. It's basically a combination of two simpler words: "some" and "thing".
So, imagine how people would have said it back then, perhaps as "sum þing". It literally meant "some thing" or "a certain thing."
Its very first meaning was to refer to an unspecified or unknown item, object, or idea, whether it was something you could touch or something more abstract. Over time, these two words naturally flowed together to become the single word "something" we use today, often without even thinking about its two-part origin.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Something
Something else: Used to describe something extraordinary, impressive, or unusual.
Something up one's sleeve: A secret plan, advantage, or trick kept in reserve.
Something in the air: A feeling or impression that a particular event or change is about to happen.
Make something of oneself: To achieve success or become important in life.
Have something on someone: To have compromising information about someone.
Do something about it: To take action to resolve a problem or situation.
Something of a [noun]: To a certain extent or degree; rather. (e.g., "He's something of a recluse.")
For something: In exchange for something else, or for a particular purpose.
Next to something: Almost something; very nearly. (e.g., "That's next to impossible.")
Nothing for something: An idiom meaning to get something without any effort or cost.
All or something: A variation of "all or nothing," implying a less absolute but still significant commitment.
Something good comes to those who wait: A proverb meaning patience is rewarded.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of something from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
