"While the shorter-term prospects are somewhat encouraging, there is an underappreciated longer security risk."

Officials at both agencies suggested that since more students took the tests, the relative flatness of the scores could be viewed as somewhat encouraging.

Several economists said the new numbers were somewhat encouraging.

He found these soft words somewhat encouraging and was inclined to forget the lateness of the hour.

Whatever was troubling him, he was at least keeping it to himself, and Harry regarded this as somewhat encouraging.

"This was somewhat encouraging to the stock market," Mr. Johnson said.

While that is somewhat encouraging, it still doesn't mean that my generation will get back what it paid into the system.

The indicators within the Union are, however, somewhat encouraging: more jobs, a growth rate of 2.9% in 2007 and falling budget deficits.

That was somewhat encouraging, but Blade knew that he would have little chance of getting clean away except by stealth.

Based on the surprisingly strong ratings for the few shows unveiled last week, the prognosis is somewhat encouraging.