however

[hou-ev-er]

See more 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.

Origin of however

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

Synonym study

1. See but¹.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for however

Contemporary Examples

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
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
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
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
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

Historical Examples

On this day, however, Philothea's mind was less serene than usual.
Philothea
Lydia Maria Child
It seemed, however, that he had merely been thinking intently.
The Spenders
Harry Leon Wilson
However, he was regularly engaged, and it was of no use for me to say anything against him.
Brave and Bold
Horatio Alger
That, however, is neither here nor there: but it got within two blocks of there at 11.25.
Punchinello, Vol. 1. No. 20, August 13, 1870
Various
It was Aldonza, however, who specially touched her feelings.
The Armourer's Prentices
Charlotte M. Yonge

British Dictionary definitions for however

however

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

Word Origin and History for however

late 14c., from how + ever.

however

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Synonym study

Related Words

Examples from the Web for however

Contemporary Examples

However much we gossip about heterosexual couples with large age gaps, we at least refrain from calling them sex offenders.

However, more than 20 players on the ballot this year were probably worthy of being enshrined in Cooperstown.

Despite the strong language, however, the neither the JPO nor Lockheed could dispute a single fact in either Daily Beast report.

In Israel, however, a new law took effect January 1st that banned the use of underweight models.

There is, however, a separate wing of AQAP designed to inspire their followers to conduct attacks against the West.

Historical Examples

On this day, however, Philothea's mind was less serene than usual.

It seemed, however, that he had merely been thinking intently.

However, he was regularly engaged, and it was of no use for me to say anything against him.

That, however, is neither here nor there: but it got within two blocks of there at 11.25.

It was Aldonza, however, who specially touched her feelings.

however

Word Origin and History for however

Origin of however