how it is

idiom
UK: /ˌhaʊ ɪt ˈɪz/
US: /ˌhaʊ ɪt ˈɪz/

  1. A statement of acceptance of a situation that cannot be changed.

    1. I don't like it, but that's how it is. [ ] [ ]
    2. The team lost, and that's just how it is sometimes, you can't win them all. [ ] [ ]

  2. Expressing a matter-of-fact acknowledgement of reality, often implying resignation or lack of surprise.

    1. Prices are high, but that's how it is. [ ] [ ]
    2. The project is delayed, but that's how it is with complex undertakings so we move on. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "how it is" in English means: A statement of acceptance of a situation that cannot be changed., Expressing a matter-of-fact acknowledgement of reality, often implying resignation or lack of surprise..

The phonetic transcription of "how it is" is /ˌhaʊ ɪt ˈɪz/ in British English and /ˌhaʊ ɪt ˈɪz/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Example usage of "how it is": "I don't like it, but that's how it is.". More examples on the page.