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Definition of "however" []

  • In whatever manner or way: However he did it, it was very clever. (adverb)
  • To whatever degree or extent: "have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the concerns” ( Christopher Lasch). (adverb)
  • In what way. Used as an intensive of how: However did you get here so soon? (adverb)
  • In spite of that; nevertheless; yet: The book is expensive; however, it's worth it. (adverb)
  • On the other hand; by contrast: The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours. (adverb)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "however" in a sentence
  • "The word Lent, however, comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lengthen, which means: Spring."
  • "Palin however is clearly an outsider, a competent speaker, and as I said looks like a normal person."
  • "What I am certain however, is that ultimately, illegal immigration exists on account of pretty strong reasons both in labor supply and labor demand."