English

Adverb

for what it's worth ‎(not comparable)

1. considering what limited worth this advice, opinion, or suggestion might have for you; Used to soften the presentation of unsolicited advice or information that may not be relevant
   • 1877, Julian Hawthorne, Garth, page 343:

     Take my advice for what it’s worth—don’t marry Garth: marry some old fool.

   • 1908, Armand Both, The Half-smart Set, Frederick A. Stokes Company, page 276:

     “Well,” said he, “I have a suggestion to make, for what it’s worth.”

   • 1999, Bruce Northam, Brad Olsen, In Search of Adventure: A Wild Travel Anthology, ISBN 1888729031, page 21:

     There were seven of us from America, and, for what it’s worth, I thought it was a fairly impressive group.

   • 2005, Jennifer Rosen, Waiter, There’s A Horse In My Wine, ISBN 0976317001, page 253:

     For what it’s worth, the same holds true for fish bowls: overfill and you’ll suffocate the guppies.

Usage notes

"For what it's worth" is useful to emphasize humility by prompting the reader to provide their judgment of worth against the statement being made; i.e., it may be useful information, it may not be, or perhaps differs in opinion from that of the recipients.

Synonyms

• FWIW

Translations