so
so Lexical Profile
so Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
To such a great extent or high degree.
"The lecture was so fascinating that everyone stayed afterward to ask questions."
Used as an substitute to avoid repeating a previously stated verb phrase, adjective, or clause.
"I wasn't sure if the library was open today, but the librarian told me it was so."
In the same way; also or likewise (used to agree with a positive statement).
"Maria is fluent in Spanish, and so is her younger brother."
In the manner, state, or way just indicated or demonstrated.
"Hold the violin bow lightly between your fingers, just so."
• conjunction
And for this reason; therefore or consequently.
"The train was delayed by heavy snow, so we arrived late to the conference."
With the aim or purpose that; in order that.
"Please speak clearly into the microphone so everyone in the auditorium can hear you."
Used as a discourse marker to introduce a new topic, a question, or a summary statement.
"So, how did your interview with the admissions committee go?"
• pronoun
That which has been stated or specified; approximately that amount or number (especially in 'or so').
"We expect fifty or so guests to attend the charity banquet."
• adjective
True, accurate, or conforming with the actual facts.
"She asked him directly if the rumors about the company merger were so."
Arranged in a very neat, precise, or particular order (especially in the phrase 'just so').
"He likes everything on his desk arranged just so before he begins writing."
• interjection
Used to express surprise, realization, mild dismissal, or indifference.
"So! You were the one who organized the surprise party all along."
• noun
In solfège, the fifth note (syllable) of a major musical scale; an alternative spelling of sol.
"The choir director asked the tenors to sustain the pitch on so."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'so' with its homophones 'sew' (to join with needle and thread) and 'sow' (to plant seeds). As an intensifier, 'so' modifies adjectives or adverbs directly ('so cold'), whereas 'such' is used before a noun phrase ('such a cold day').
• Rhymes for so
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'swā', meaning 'in this manner' or 'to that extent', derived from Proto-Germanic *swa and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European reflexive pronominal root *swe-.