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Definition of howsoever

howsoever

/ˌhaʊsoʊˈɛvɚ/
how · so · ev · er
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howsoever Lexical Profile

howsoever Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

To whatever extent or degree; no matter how.

Example

"The committee will review every formal proposal, howsoever modest its initial scope may appear."

2

In whatever manner or way; by whatever means.

Example

"Under the terms of the contract, the insurer is not liable for loss or damage howsoever caused."

Synonyms
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• conjunction

1

In whatever way or manner that; although or nevertheless (now archaic or dialectal).

Example

"He resolved to complete the journey before nightfall, howsoever the weather might turn against him."

Synonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Now largely archaic or restricted to formal legal and literary contexts, 'howsoever' has been almost entirely replaced by 'however' in everyday modern English.

• Rhymes for howsoever

• Nearby Words

howler monkey
howling
howlingly
howsoever
hoya
hraunfossar
hron

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as a compound of 'how', 'so', and 'ever', following the pattern of earlier Old English generalized relative phrases like 'swa hwa swa' (whosoever).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Howsoever. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/howsoever
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