however
- 1Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies what has just been said; nevertheless.
The northern route is shorter; the southern one, however, has far better roads.
Most of the team agreed with the change. The manager, however, saw real risks.
Similarthough, nevertheless, nonetheless
Note
It covers both plain contrast, where two things are set side by side, and pushback against what came before, much like nevertheless.
- 2Used, though widely considered incorrect, to join two contrasting clauses with the meaning of but or although.
She agreed to lead the project, however she had serious doubts about it.
The repairs were finished on time, however the budget was overrun.
UsageCareful writers use but here, or a semicolon: finished on time; however, the budget was overrun.
- 3To whatever degree or extent something reaches.
However carefully he packed, something always broke in transit.
She refused to quit, however slim the chances grew.
UsageGoes straight before an adjective, adverb, much or many: however hard, however many questions.
Note
Here the build is plainest: Middle English how + ever, a sibling of howsoever. Usually the phrase concedes a point before the main clause overrides it, but it can also mean to whatever extent, as in stay however long you need. Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility (1811) uses it twice in one sentence.
Less common meanings
- 4In whatever way; regardless of how something is done.
However you choose to phrase the apology, make it sincere.
However the vote turns out, the council will face hard choices.
UsageLeads a clause with its own subject and verb: however you do it, however the vote goes.
Note
Middle English how-ever was simply how plus ever, and this use keeps that literal meaning: in whatever way.
Checked 2 Nov 2026 · 1 fact
- However derives from Middle English how-ever, combining how and ever. en.wiktionary.org
- 5In any way one likes or chooses, often in a haphazard or unplanned way.
Decorate the room however; nobody is going to judge the choices.
We were running late, so we tossed the camping gear in the trunk however and hit the road.
UsageStands alone at the end of a clause: just do it however. It suggests a careless shrug.
Similaranyhow
- 6An emphatic form of 'how', used to ask in what manner, often expressing surprise or puzzlement.
However did the two of them end up running the whole company?
However could anyone have guessed the answer from so few clues?
UsageAlso written how ever, which keeps it apart from sentence-opening however, meaning 'nevertheless'.
Note
Surprise is the point of this question form. The ever adds astonishment that something could be done at all, much as how the dickens does.
- 7In any case; at any rate; whatever else may prove to be true.
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.
c. 1680, John TillotsonNote
An obsolete sense that can trip modern readers, because nothing is being contrasted. In a sermon, John Tillotson defines happiness as being freed from all evils, or "however from the greatest," and there the word means at any rate, or at least. Read it as nevertheless and the sentence stops making sense; substitute at any rate and it runs smoothly.
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Practice
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Origin
From Middle English 'however', formed from 'how' plus 'ever'.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 1 fact
- However comes from Middle English however and combines how with ever. en.wiktionary.org