A German word meaning 'something' or 'somewhat,' occasionally used in English texts dealing with German philosophy or language.
From Middle High German 'etwaz,' from Old High German origins. In German, it combines 'et-' (originally meaning 'one') with 'was' (what), literally suggesting 'one-what' or 'a certain thing,' and is the standard German word for 'something.'
Etwas shows up in English texts about German philosophy because translators sometimes kept the original word for emphasis or philosophical precision—German thinkers discussing 'etwas' (something, anything, vagueness) sound different than English speakers saying the same thing.
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