so Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the syllable naming the fifth (dominant) note of any musical scale in solmization
    soh; sol.
  2. adverb to a very great extent or degree
    • the idea is so obvious
    • never been so happy
    • I love you so
    • my head aches so!
  3. adverb in a manner that facilitates
    • he observed the snakes so he could describe their behavior
    • he stooped down so he could pick up his hat
  4. adverb in such a condition or manner, especially as expressed or implied
    • They're happy and I hope they will remain so
    • so live your life that old age will bring no regrets
  5. adverb to a certain unspecified extent or degree
    • I can only go so far with this student
    • can do only so much in a day
  6. adverb in the same way; also
    • I was offended and so was he
    • worked hard and so did she
  7. adverb in the way indicated; (`thusly' is a nonstandard variant)
    thusly; thus.
    • hold the brush so
    • set up the pieces thus
  8. adverb (usually followed by `that') to an extent or degree as expressed
    • he was so tired he could hardly stand
    • so dirty that it smells
  9. adverb subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
    then; and so; and then.
    • then he left
    • go left first, then right
    • first came lightning, then thunder
    • we watched the late movie and then went to bed
    • and so home and to bed
  10. adverb (used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
    hence; thus; therefore; thence.
    • therefore X must be true
    • the eggs were fresh and hence satisfactory
    • we were young and thence optimistic
    • it is late and thus we must go
    • the witness is biased and so cannot be trusted
  11. adverb in truth (often tends to intensify)
    indeed.
    • they said the car would break down and indeed it did
    • it is very cold indeed
    • was indeed grateful
    • indeed, the rain may still come
    • he did so do it!

WordNet

So adverb
Etymology
OE. so, sa, swa, AS. swa; akin to OFries, sa, s, D. zoo, OS. & OHG. s, G. so, Icel. sva, sv, svo, so, Sw. s, Dan. saa, Goth. swa so, sw as; cf. L. suus one's own, Skr. sva one's own, one's self. Cf. As, Custom, Ethic, Idiom, Such.
Definitions
  1. In that manner or degree; as, indicated (in any way), or as implied, or as supposed to be known.
    Why is his chariot so long in coming? Judges v. 28.
  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.
    As a war should be undertaken upon a just motive, so a prince ought to consider the condition he is in. Swift.
  3. In such manner; to such degree; -- used correlatively with as or that following; as, he was so fortunate as to escape.
    I viewed in may mind, so far as I was able, the beginning and progress of a rising world. T. Burnet.
    He is very much in Sir Roger's esteem, so that he lives in the family rather as a relation than dependent. Addison.
  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.
  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.
    Use him [your tutor] with great respect yourself, and cause all your family to do so too. Locke.
    It concerns every man, with the greatest seriousness, to inquire into those matters, whether they be so or not. Tillotson.
    He is Sir Robert's son, and so art thou. Shak.
  6. The case being such; therefore; on this account; for this reason; on these terms; -- used both as an adverb and a conjuction.
    God makes him in his own image an intellectual creature, and so capable of dominion. Locke.
    Here, then, exchange we mutually forgiveness; So may the guilt of all my broken vows, My perjuries to thee, be all forgotten. Rowe.
  7. It is well; let it be as it is, or let it come to pass; -- used to express assent.
    And when 't is writ, for my sake read it over, And if it please you, so; if not, why, so. Shak.
    There is Percy; if your father will do me any honor, so; if not, let him kill the next Percy himself. Shak.
  8. Well; the fact being as stated; -- used as an expletive; as, so the work is done, is it?
  9. Is it thus? do you mean what you say? -- with an upward tone; as, do you say he refuses? So? Colloq.
  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. s.b. collocation "or so"
    A week or so will probably reconcile us. Gay.
    ✍ See the Note under Ill, adv.
So conjunction
Definitions
  1. Provided that; on condition that; in case that; if. R. or archaic
    Though all the winds of doctrine were let loose play upon the earth, so truth be in the field, we do injuriously, by licensing and prohibiting, to misdoubt her strength. Milton.
So interjection
Definitions
  1. Be as you are; stand still; stop; that will do; right as you are; -- a word used esp. to cows; also used by sailors.

Webster 1913