however

[ hou-ev-er ]

/ haʊˈɛv ər /

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See synonyms for however on Thesaurus.com

adverb

nevertheless; yet; on the other hand; in spite of that: We have not yet won; however, we shall keep trying.

to whatever extent or degree; no matter how: However much you spend, I will reimburse you.

in whatever manner: We will allow you to travel however you please.

how; how under the circumstances: However did you manage?

conjunction

in whatever way, manner, or state: Arrange your hours however you like.

QUIZ

SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?

Should you take this quiz on “shall” versus “should”? It should prove to be a quick challenge!

Question 1 of 6

Which form is commonly used with other verbs to express intention?

shall

should

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Origin of however

First recorded in 1350–1400, however is from the Middle English word hou-ever.See how¹, ever

Words nearby however

howe'er, howel, Howel Dda, Howell-Jolly body, Howells, however, however much, howf, howff, how goes it, howitzer

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

WHEN TO USE

What are other ways to say however?

The adverb however means “on the other hand” or “in spite of that.” How does it compare to however, but, nevertheless, still, and yet? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.

How to use however in a sentence

However much we gossip about heterosexual couples with large age gaps, we at least refrain from calling them sex offenders.
Freaking Out About Age Gaps in Gay Relationships Is Homophobic|Samantha Allen|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
However, more than 20 players on the ballot this year were probably worthy of being enshrined in Cooperstown.
Conservative Curt Says His Politics, Not His Pitching, Kept Him Out of the Hall of Fame|Ben Jacobs|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In Israel, however, a new law took effect January 1st that banned the use of underweight models.
How Skinny Is Too Skinny? Israel Bans ‘Underweight’ Models|Carrie Arnold|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Despite the strong language, however, the neither the JPO nor Lockheed could dispute a single fact in either Daily Beast report.
Pentagon Misfires in Stealth Jet Scandal|Dave Majumdar|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST

There is, however, a separate wing of AQAP designed to inspire their followers to conduct attacks against the West.
U.S. Spies See Al Qaeda Fingerprints on Paris Massacre|Shane Harris, Nancy A. Youssef|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
However, they were not seen to venture far into the surrounding deciduous forest.
Summer Birds From the Yucatan Peninsula|Erwin E. Klaas
This, however, did not apply to the waters lying directly around the Poloe and Flatland groups.
The Giant of the North|R.M. Ballantyne
Suddenly, however, he became aware of a small black spot far ahead in the very middle of the unencumbered track.
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke
Dean Swift was indeed a misanthrope by theory, however he may have made exception to private life.
Gulliver's Travels|Jonathan Swift
As a rule, however, even in the case of extreme varieties, a careful examination of the specimen will enable it to be identified.
How to Know the Ferns|S. Leonard Bastin

British Dictionary definitions for however

however

/ (haʊˈɛvə) /

sentence connector

still; nevertheless

on the other hand; yet

adverb

by whatever means; in whatever manner

(used with adjectives expressing or admitting of quantity or degree) no matter howhowever long it takes, finish it

an emphatic form of how 1 (def. 1)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

however

Origin of however

Words nearby however

WHEN TO USE

What are other ways to say however?

Words related to however

How to use however in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for however