so far
AdverbOpen English WordNet
Adverb (3)
- used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time“So far he hasn't called”“the sun isn't up yet”Synonyms: thus farup to nowhithertoheretoforeas yetyettil nowuntil nowtill now
- to the degree or extent that“insofar as it can be ascertained, the horse lung is comparable to that of man”“so far as it is reasonably practical he should practice restraint”Synonyms: insofarin so farto that extentto that degreein so far as
- used after a superlative“this is the best so far”“the largest drug bust yet”Synonyms: yet
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
1.In that manner or degree; as, indicated (in any way), or as implied, or as supposed to be known. [1913 Webster]
Why is his chariot so long in coming?— Judges v. 28.[1913 Webster]
2.In like manner or degree; in the same way; thus; for like reason; whith equal reason; -- used correlatively, following as, to denote comparison or resemblance; sometimes, also, following inasmuch as. [1913 Webster]
As a war should be undertaken upon a just motive, so a prince ought to consider the condition he is in.— Swift.[1913 Webster]
3.In such manner; to such degree; -- used correlatively with as or that following; as, he was so fortunate as to escape. [1913 Webster]
I viewed in may mind, so far as I was able, the beginning and progress of a rising world.— T. Burnet.[1913 Webster]
He is very much in Sir Roger's esteem, so that he lives in the family rather as a relation than dependent.— Addison.[1913 Webster]
4.Very; in a high degree; that is, in such a degree as can not well be expressed; as, he is so good; he planned so wisely. [1913 Webster]
5.In the same manner; as has been stated or suggested; in this or that condition or state; under these circumstances; in this way; -- with reflex reference to something just asserted or implied; used also with the verb to be, as a predicate. [1913 Webster]
Use him [your tutor] with great respect yourself, and cause all your family to do so too.— Locke.[1913 Webster]
It concerns every man, with the greatest seriousness, to inquire into those matters, whether they be so or not.— Tillotson.[1913 Webster]
He is Sir Robert's son, and so art thou.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
6.The case being such; therefore; on this account; for this reason; on these terms; -- used both as an adverb and a conjuction. [1913 Webster]
God makes him in his own image an intellectual creature, and so capable of dominion.— Locke.[1913 Webster]
Here, then, exchange we mutually forgiveness; So may the guilt of all my broken vows, My perjuries to thee, be all forgotten.— Rowe.[1913 Webster]
7.It is well; let it be as it is, or let it come to pass; -- used to express assent. [1913 Webster]
And when 't is writ, for my sake read it over, And if it please you, so; if not, why, so.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
There is Percy; if your father will do me any honor, so; if not, let him kill the next Percy himself.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
8.Well; the fact being as stated; -- used as an expletive; as, so the work is done, is it? [1913 Webster]
9.Is it thus? do you mean what you say? -- with an upward tone; as, do you say he refuses? So? [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]
10.About the number, time, or quantity specified; thereabouts; more or less; as, I will spend a week or so in the country; I have read only a page or so. [1913 Webster]
A week or so will probably reconcile us.— Gay.[1913 Webster]
Note: See the Note under Ill, adv. [1913 Webster]
So . . . as. So is now commonly used as a demonstrative correlative of as when it is the puprpose to emphasize the equality or comparison suggested, esp. in negative assertions, and questions implying a negative answer. By Shakespeare and others so . . . as was much used where as . . . as is now common. See the Note under As, 1. [1913 Webster]
So do, as thou hast said.— Gen. xviii. 5.[1913 Webster]
As a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.— Ps. ciii. 15.[1913 Webster]
Had woman been so strong as men.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
No country suffered so much as England.— Macaulay.[1913 Webster]
So far, to that point or extent; in that particular. "The song was moral, and so far was right." --Cowper.
So far forth, as far; to such a degree. --Shak. --Bacon.
So forth, further in the same or similar manner; more of the same or a similar kind. See And so forth, under And.
So, so, well, well. "So, so, it works; now, mistress, sit you fast." --Dryden. Also, moderately or tolerably well; passably; as, he succeeded but so so. "His leg is but so so." --Shak.
So that, to the end that; in order that; with the effect or result that.
So then, thus then it is; therefore; the consequence is. [1913 Webster]