something

"Something" is a very common English word you will hear and use every single day. It works mainly as a pronoun, but it can also act as an adverb. It has a small number of core meanings, all built around the idea of a thing that is not fully named or known.

Use 'something' when you are talking about a thing but you either don't know exactly what it is, or you don't need to name it specifically. Think of it as a placeholder for a thing you can't or don't want to identify precisely.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

I heard something outside my window last night, but I couldn't see what it was.

Can you pass me something to write with? A pen or pencil is fine.

She said something that really made me think.

2pronounfigurativea thing of importance or value

Sometimes 'something' means that a thing actually matters or has real value — as opposed to nothing. When you say 'that means something', you are saying it is not empty or worthless.

everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

Winning that award really means something to her.

At least we tried — that counts for something.

There is something special about the way he plays the piano.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

Would you like something to eat?

Can I get you something to drink?

Is something wrong? You look a little tired.

You can use 'something' before words like 'like' or 'of' to mean 'roughly' or 'a little bit'. It softens a statement, showing that you are not being completely exact.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

He is something of an expert on ancient history.