however

The definition of however is in whatever manner, to whatever degree or nevertheless.

(adverb)

  1. An example of however is someone saying they'll do whatever is necessary in make something happen; however it is necessary.
  2. An example of however is someone saying, even though the movie they wanted to see isn't playing, they're still going to the movies; not playing however they are still going.

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See however in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adverb

  1. no matter how; in whatever manner
  2. to whatever degree or extent
  3. by what means: however did he escape?
  4. nevertheless; yet; in spite of that; all the same: often used as a conjunctive adverb

Origin: ME hou-ever

conjunction

Obsolete although
also Old Poet.howe'er

See however in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adverb
  1. In whatever manner or way: However he did it, it was very clever.
  2. To whatever degree or extent: “have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the concerns” (Christopher Lasch).
  3. In what way. Used as an intensive of how: However did you get here so soon?
  4. In spite of that; nevertheless; yet: The book is expensive; however, it's worth it.
  5. On the other hand; by contrast: The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours.
conjunction
  1. In whatever manner or way: Dress however you like.
  2. Archaic Notwithstanding that; although.
Usage Note: Although some grammarians have insisted that however should not be used to begin a sentence, this rule has been ignored by a number of reputable writers. Forty-two percent of Usage Panelists say they do not follow the rule in their own writing, 19 percent say they observe it only sometimes, and 36 percent say they usually observe it. See Usage Notes at but, whatever.

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