however

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Nevertheless

   Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of that.

   • He told me not to do it. However, I did it anyway. / I did it anyway, however. / I, however, did it anyway.
   • She wanted to go; however, she decided against it.
   • I didn't argue with him; I still think, however, that he is wrong.
2. 2

   In contrast.

   • The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.
3. 3

   Regardless of how

   Regardless of how; no matter how

   • However clear you think you've been, and however many questions you may've answered, there'll always remain some doubts.
   • Any rule of thumb, however true (it is), is useless unless you understand its underlying logic.
   • However much I study, I never get good grades.
4. ›+ 5 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      In any way in which

      In any way in which; how.

      • She offered to help however she could.
      • Wear your hair however you want.
   2. 5

      In any way that one likes or chooses

      In any way that one likes or chooses; in a haphazard or spontaneous way.

      • I don't care; just do it however.
      • Nothing was really planned; things just happened however.
   3. 6

      How ever

      How ever: an emphatic form of how, used to ask in what manner.

      • I thought it was impossible. However were you able to do it?
   4. 7

      In any case, at any rate, at all events.

      • Our chief end and highest interest is happiness : And this is happiness to be freed from all (if it may) [or] however from the greatest evils.
   5. 8

      But, yet, though, although.

      • *She wanted to go, however she decided against it.

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