# however

Pronunciation: US say "how-EV-ur" /haʊˈɛvɚ/; UK say "how-EV-uh" /haʊˈɛvə/

## Adverb

1. Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies what has just been said; nevertheless.
   - Simple: Used to add something that is different from, or goes against, what was just said.
   - _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._
3. To whatever degree or extent something reaches.
   - Simple: No matter how much or how little something is.
   - _However carefully he packed, something always broke in transit._
   - _She refused to quit, however slim the chances grew._
5. In any way one likes or chooses, often in a haphazard or unplanned way. *(colloquial)*
   - Simple: In any way you like, or in a messy, random 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._
6. An emphatic form of 'how', used to ask in what manner, often expressing surprise or puzzlement.
   - Simple: A stronger way to ask 'how', often showing surprise.
   - _However did the two of them end up running the whole company?_
   - _However could anyone have guessed the answer from so few clues?_

## Conjunction

2. Used, though widely considered incorrect, to join two contrasting clauses with the meaning of but or although. *(nonstandard)*
   - Simple: Used like but to join two ideas that do not match. Many people think this use is wrong.
   - _She agreed to lead the project, however she had serious doubts about it._
   - _The repairs were finished on time, however the budget was overrun._
4. In whatever way; regardless of how something is done.
   - Simple: In any way. It does not matter how.
   - _However you choose to phrase the apology, make it sincere._
   - _However the vote turns out, the council will face hard choices._

## Adverb

7. In any case; at any rate; whatever else may prove to be true. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: No matter what happens, in any case.

## Origin

From Middle English 'however', formed from 'how' plus 'ever'.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/however (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).