sort-of
In a way
Sort-of functions as a hedge, softening or qualifying what follows.
It signals approximation or reluctance to commit fully: It's sort-of like a pancake but denser, We're sort-of dating.
The hyphenated form typically appears as an adjective: a sort-of apology, her sort-of boyfriend.
Without the hyphen, *sort of* works the same way adverbially: I sort of expected this.
To a moderate extent
- more-or-lessApproximately, not exactly
- roughlyIn approximate terms
- almostShort of completely
- nearlyAlmost but incomplete
approximately · quasi · partially · halfway · borderline · loosely · vaguely · imprecisely
Not firmly known
- unsureLacking confidence or certainty
- hesitantSlow to act
- tentativeUncertain and provisional
- noncommittalNot expressing clear opinion
iffy · doubtful · wavering · ambivalent · undecided · half-hearted · lukewarm · wishy-washy
Expression of uncertainty
- perhapsExpressing uncertainty
- possiblyWith some likelihood
- arguablyOpen to debate
- supposedlyAs is claimed
presumably · ostensibly · seemingly · apparently · allegedly · nominally · technically · theoretically
somewhat
To a moderate extent
- more-or-lessApproximately, not exactly
- roughlyIn approximate terms
- almostShort of completely
nearly · approximately · quasi · partially · halfway · borderline · loosely · vaguely · imprecisely · ballpark
uncertain
Not firmly known
noncommittal · iffy · doubtful · wavering · ambivalent · undecided · half-hearted · lukewarm · wishy-washy · equivocal
maybe
Expression of uncertainty
supposedly · presumably · ostensibly · seemingly · apparently · allegedly · nominally · technically · theoretically
sort-ofexactly
With total accuracy
precisely · definitely · absolutely · specifically · unambiguously
sort-ofcertainly
Without any doubt
undoubtedly · unquestionably · decidedly · positively · assuredly
sort, assorted, resort, assortment, sorted, sorting, sorts, consort, assort