insofar as — to the extent or degree that; to the extent that something is true or applies
Part of speech: CONJUNCTION
Definition: to the extent or degree that; to the extent that something is true or applies
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌɪn.soʊˈfɑːr æz/
Example Sentences
- Insofar as the weather permits, we will go hiking tomorrow.
- Insofar as my cat allows me to sit on the sofa, I consider myself the king of this house.
- The new policy is fair insofar as it applies equally to everyone.
insofar as
CONJUNCTION[/ˌɪn.soʊˈfɑːr æz/]
to the extent or degree that; to the extent that something is true or applies
I'll help insofar as my schedule allows this week.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase derives from Middle English 'in so fer as', a construction combining the preposition 'in' with the adverb 'so' and 'far'. Originally, 'far' referred to physical distance, but over time it underwent semantic extension to denote abstract notions of degree or extent, transforming the literal sense 'to the extent that one is so far' into the conditional meaning 'to the degree that' or 'provided that'.
Breakdown
in (in, within) + so (so, to such a degree) + far (far, at a distance; later: to the extent) + as (as, in the capacity of). The compound evolved from a spatial construction into a logical connector expressing conditionality and limitation.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Insofar as the weather permits, we will go hiking tomorrow.”
“Insofar as my cat allows me to sit on the sofa, I consider myself the king of this house.”
“The new policy is fair insofar as it applies equally to everyone.”
“Insofar as I can tell, my diet plan is working — except I ate an entire pizza last night.”
“He is legally responsible insofar as he signed the contract.”
📚Related Words
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