some
[adjective]
Synonyms: certain, various, several, divers, sundry
[adverb]
Synonyms: nearly, about, all but, almost, approximately, as good as, just about, most, practically, well-nigh, somewhat, fairly, kind of, moderately, more or less, pretty, rather, ratherish, something, sort of

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English Thesaurus: some, a few, a couple of, a little, a certain amount of, ...

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

-some /səm/ suffix
[Sense 1: Language: Old English; Origin: -sum]
[Sense 2: Origin: some]

1. [in adjectives] tending to behave in a particular way, or having a particular quality:
a troublesome boy (=who causes trouble)
a bothersome back injury (=that bothers you)

2. [in nouns] a group of a particular number, for example in a game:
a golf foursome (=four people playing golf together)

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

I. some¹ S1 W1 /səm; strong sʌm/ determiner
[Language: Old English; Origin: sum]

1. a number of people or things, or an amount of something, when the exact number or amount is not stated:
I need some apples for this recipe.
My mother has inherited some land.
They’re looking for someone with some experience.
The doctor gave her some medicine for her cough.

2. a number of people or things or an amount of something, but not all:
Some people believe in life after death.
She’s been so depressed that some days she can’t get out of bed.

3. formal a fairly large number of people or things or a fairly large amount of something:
It was some time before they managed to turn the alarm off.
The donation went some way toward paying for the damage.

4. used to mean a person or thing, when you do not know or say exactly which:
There must be some reason for her behaviour.
Can you give me some idea of the cost?
some kind/type/form/sort of something
We can hopefully reach some kind of agreement.

5. informal used when you are talking about a person or thing that you do not know, remember, or understand, or when you think it does not matter:
Some guy called for you while you were gone.
some something or other/another
Just give him some excuse or other.

6. used to say that something was very good or very impressive:
That was some party last night!

7. some friend you are/some help she was etc spoken used, especially when you are annoyed, to mean someone or something has disappointed you by not behaving in the way you think they should:
You won’t lend me the money? Some friend you are!

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

II. some² S1 W1 /sʌm/ pronoun

1. a number of people or things or an amount of something, when the exact number or amount is not stated:
I’ve just made a pot of coffee. Would you like some?
‘Do you know where the screws are?’ ‘There are some in the garage.’

2. a number of people or things or an amount of something, but not all:
Many local businesses are having difficulties, and some have even gone bankrupt.
Some say it was an accident, but I don’t believe it.
Many of the exhibits were damaged in the fire, and some were totally destroyed.
some of
Some of his jokes were very rude.
Can I have some of your cake?

3. and then some spoken informal used to say that the actual amount is probably a lot more than what someone has just said:
‘They say he earns $2.5 million a season.’ ‘And then some.’

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

III. some³ /səm; strong sʌm/ adverb

1. some more an additional number or amount of something:
Would you like some more cake?

2. American English spoken a little:
‘Are you feeling better today?’ ‘Some, I guess.’

3. some 500 people/50%/£100 etc an expression meaning about 500 people, 50%, £100 etc – used especially when this seems a large number or amount:
She gained some 25 pounds in weight during pregnancy.

4. some little/few something literary a fairly large number or amount of something:
We travelled some little way before noticing that Bradley wasn’t with us.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

some a number of people or things or an amount of something, but not a large number or amount:
There were some children playing in the street.
‘Have we got any biscuits?’ ‘Yes, I’ve just bought some.’
a few a small number of people, things etc. A few is used when there is a smaller number than some:
‘Are there any chocolates left?’ ‘Only a few.’
I’m going out with a few of my friends.
a couple of informal two or a very small number:
Can I ask you a couple of questions?
I’ll just have a couple of drinks.
a little a small amount of something:
I speak a little Spanish.
He just wants a little sugar.
a certain amount of a fairly large amount – use this to talk about people’s feelings, abilities etc:
It’s a job that requires a certain amount of skill.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲

some
sʌm
See: and then some

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲