/ˈsɔːtə/, /ˈsɔɹtə/, [-ɾə]
OriginA written form of a reduction of sort of.
- abbreviation, alt-of, contraction, informal, not-comparableContraction of sort of.
“The portraits on the wall aren’t that good, but they’re just sorta cool to have around.”
“'Webb,' he says sorta sorrowful like, 'it looks like a howlin' shame to have a bang-up American girl hooked up to a money-grubbin' member of the British nobility. It don't in no way fit in with my ide”
“When Tommy's folks heard about it they were angry with him, and with Chuck for using him to play such a mean trick on Vern. In fact the whole thing sorta backfired on old Chuck—and on me and Pete too.”
- contraction, informalSort of.
“There’s gotta be some sorta explanation.”
“He glanced at her then back at me. "What sorta research?" / "Well, war correspondent might not be too far off," I said.”
Formssortsa(plural)