how so
In what way?
How so is a request for explanation, asking someone to elaborate on a claim or clarify their reasoning.
It's a compressed form of "how is that so?" and invites the speaker to justify or expand: "This won't work." "How so?"
Statement making something clear
- reasoningDrawing logical conclusions
- rationaleStated basis for action
- justificationReason proving rightness
- groundsBasis for justification
basis · cause · logic · account · evidence · substantiate · elaborate · expound
Lack of firm belief
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- distrustAbsence of confidence
- suspicionSense of unease about motives
- questioningSeeking answers through inquiry
dubious · unconvinced · cynicism · incredulity · wariness · challenge · dispute · contest
Seeking answers through inquiry
- curiosityDesire to learn
- probingThoroughly investigating something
- askingPosing questions
- wonderingFeeling curiosity about something
inquire · query · interest · explore · investigate · delve · examine · seeking
Intense sudden wonder
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
- bewildermentState of being baffled
- perplexityMental state of confusion
puzzlement · confusion · disbelief · shock · startled · unexpected · taken aback · incredulous
explanation
Statement making something clear
- reasoningDrawing logical conclusions
- rationaleStated basis for action
- justificationReason proving rightness
grounds · basis · cause · logic · account · evidence · substantiate · elaborate · expound · clarify
doubt
Lack of firm belief
- disbeliefRejection of truth claims
- distrustAbsence of confidence
- suspicionSense of unease about motives
questioning · dubious · unconvinced · cynicism · incredulity · wariness · challenge · dispute · contest · misgivings
questioning
Seeking answers through inquiry
wondering · inquire · query · interest · explore · investigate · delve · examine · seeking · clarification
astonishment
Intense sudden wonder
- amazementOverwhelming surprise and wonder
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
- bewildermentState of being baffled
perplexity · puzzlement · confusion · disbelief · shock · startled · unexpected · taken aback · incredulous · baffled
- explanationswhy, explication, what happened, definition, description
- confusionconfusion, confused, bewilderment, perplexity, baffled
- rhetorical questionswhy me, why bother, who knows, who cares, why not
- question wordswhat, when, where, which, who
- clarification requestswhat do you mean, pardon, excuse me, say again, come again
- interjectionsah, hey, aha, sheesh, oh
how sofair enough
Acknowledging reasonable logic
I see · makes sense · understood · of course · point taken
how sobecause
For the reason that
let me explain · in other words · to clarify · specifically · namely