Somewhat vs. somehow

Hi,

That is somewhat difficult. To some degree. Rather.

That is somehow difficult. In some way (that the speaker does not really understand).

1. What is the difference between the sentences above? As noted.

2. If no difference, can they be used interchangeably? No.

3. If there is difference, can the synonym "rather" substitute

This is somewhat difficult. (difficult to a certain degee; difficult but not too much)

This is somehow difficult. (you can't explain it but this is still difficult (to do or accomplish)

Thanks, Clive and Ivanhr, for explaining the difference. I used to think they were synonymous. I now understand.

i think you have to know the meaning of these 2 sentences.
sentence 1 means that is (QUITE/A BIT) difficult . (obviously it is in between easy and VERY difficult.) in other words, the level of difficulty . Note: somewhat means quite or "a bit "

HOWEVER,
the 2nd sentence is completely different from the 1st.
Somehow means 1) in some way that is unknown, 2) an unknown reason/un

Thanks anonymous for simple and accurate explanations.

Somewhat was very clear as i read the explanations, however "somehow" is unclear for me.. Im somewhat a slow learner but still with your help, i do want some examples and explanations.. Thanks