however
however Lexical Profile
however Game Scores & Validity
• adverb
Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously; nevertheless.
"The initial experiment failed to yield clear results; however, the research team discovered a promising new method."
To whatever extent or degree.
"She resolved to finish the marathon, however long it might take."
In whatever way or manner; regardless of how.
"You may arrange the study schedule however you think is best."
Used as an emphatic form of 'how' in questions to express surprise or bewilderment.
"However did you manage to transport that grand piano up three flights of stairs?"
• conjunction
In whatever way or manner that; regardless of how.
"We must respect the final decision of the committee, however they choose to vote."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used as a conjunctive adverb to link two independent clauses, 'however' should be preceded by a semicolon and followed by a comma (e.g., 'It rained; however, the event continued'), whereas when used as an adverb of degree ('However hard she tried...'), no comma follows.
• Rhymes for however
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in Middle English around the 14th century as a compound of 'how' and 'ever', originally meaning 'in whatever manner' before evolving into a contrasting conjunctive adverb.