"Somehow other" is a common expression used to indicate an unspecified manner or means. The spelling of the word "somehow" is based on the IPA phonetic transcription /sʌmhaʊ/, with the stress on the first syllable. "Other" is pronounced as /ˈʌðər/ with the stress on the second syllable. When combined, the two words form a phrase that is often used to indicate a degree of vagueness or uncertainty in the manner in which something has occurred or will happen.
"Somehow other" is a colloquial expression that refers to an unusual or unexpected way of doing something, or achieving a particular outcome, without any clear or obvious explanation. This phrase is often used to describe situations that are difficult to comprehend or understand, as they deviate from the usual or expected course of events.
The term "somehow" implies a sense of ambiguity or uncertainty, suggesting that the means or method employed are somewhat unclear or mysterious. It implies that there is no readily apparent explanation for how something happened, leaving observers perplexed or astonished.
The word "other" in this phrase emphasizes the distinctiveness or peculiarity of the situation, indicating that it is beyond the ordinary or conventional methods. It highlights the fact that the outcome was achieved in a unique or unconventional manner, serving to differentiate it from the typical or expected ways of doing things.
Overall, "somehow other" signifies a perplexing or inexplicable occurrence, indicating that an outcome was achieved in an unconventional or unexpected manner. It denotes a departure from the usual or expected, leaving observers puzzled or curious about the underlying methods or reasons behind it. This expression is commonly used to express surprise, astonishment, or awe when faced with an outcome that defies conventional understanding or explanation.
The phrase "somehow other" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words.
1. "Somehow": The word "somehow" comes from Old English "sumweg" which is a combination of "sum" meaning "some" and "weg" meaning "way" or "path". Over time, it evolved to "somehow" which means "in some way" or "by some means".
2. "Other": The word "other" comes from Old English "ōþer" which meant "second, other, different". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*anþeraz" meaning "other".
When these two words are combined, "somehow other" means "in some way different" or "in some way distinct".