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3. extent

extent

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to a certain extent

Somewhat; partly; in a limited way or to a limited degree. Your essay would be improved to a certain extent by tidying up your paragraphs, but your topic on the whole has some fundamental problems. Our administration is willing to negotiate to a certain extent, but we aren't ready to make any significant changes to the legislation.

See also: certain, extent

to an extent

Somewhat; partly; in a limited way or to a limited degree. Your essay would be improved to an extent by tidying up your paragraphs, but your topic on the whole has some fundamental problems. Our administration is willing to negotiate to an extent, but we aren't ready to make any significant changes to the legislation.

See also: extent

to a great extent

Cliché mainly; largely. To a great extent, Mary is the cause of her own problems. I've finished my work to a great extent. There is nothing important left to do.

See also: extent, great

to some extent

to some degree; in some amount; partly. I've solved this problem to some extent. I can help you understand this to some extent.

See also: extent

to a degree

Also, to an extent. See to some degree.

See also: degree

to some degree

Also, to a certain degree; to some or a certain extent ; to a degree or an extent . Somewhat, in a way, as in To some degree we'll have to compromise, or To an extent it's a matter of adjusting to the colder climate. The use of degree in these terms, all used in the same way, dates from the first half of the 1700s, and extent from the mid-1800s.

See also: degree

to a degree

To a small extent; in a limited way: doesn't like spicy food, but can eat a little pepper to a degree.

See also: degree