What does "For what it's worth" mean?

Question

I hear it often, and can usually derive a sentence's meaning with or without it. What does it really mean? When would one use it?

Answer 1

It means 'whether or not this is of any use/value'.

For what it's worth, I'm very sorry I broke the window.

means, for example, that it may not make any difference to the physical state of the window, but that hopefully the apology helps placate you.

It's almost a kind of self-deprecation; it's saying 'No words of mine will be adequate, but...'

Answer 2

for what it's worth (informal)
said when you are giving someone a piece of information and you are not certain if that information is useful or important.

_{Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary}

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for all or for what it's worth; for whatever it's worth:
Even though it may not be important or valuable.
For example, Here's my opinion, for what it's worth, or For whatever it's worth I've decided to take the train. [Late 1800s]

_{Dictionary.com}

Answer 3

As reported from the NOAD, for what it is worth is used to present a comment, suggestion, or opinion without making a claim as to its importance or validity.

For what it's worth, she's very highly thought of abroad.