The word "somewhat" is an adverb used to indicate a moderate or slight degree of something. It expresses that something is partially true or has a certain quality but not to a great extent. For instance, if someone says, "I am somewhat tired," it means they are a little tired, but not extremely so.
The word "somewhat" originates from Middle English, combining "some," meaning "a certain amount" or "a part of," and "what," which refers to "something" or "a degree." This compound reflects the notion of an unspecified yet small amount or degree.