adverb / conjunction

so

To that degree or in that way; also used to introduce a result.

The soup is so hot that I let it cool.

Etymology

Old English swā expressed thus or in that way. The modern word preserves that reference to manner or degree and extends it to the resulting consequence.

More examples

  • If you need to leave early, please do so quietly.
  • The store closes soon, so we hurry inside.
  • Why are these shoes so expensive?

Similar words

thus
Means 'in this way' or 'therefore,' usually more formally.
therefore
Introduces a logical result, but cannot describe a degree.