adv
how
how
adv
1
By what means, method, or manner.
"How did you fix the leak so quickly?"
"Show me how this machine works."
2
To what extent or degree.
"How tall is your brother now?"
3
Used to introduce an exclamation of surprise or strong feeling.
"How wonderful to see you again!"
conj
1
That; introducing a reported fact (informal).
"I couldn't believe how she just walked out mid-meeting."
intj
1
Used to ask someone to repeat what they said, or as a greeting stereotypically attributed to Native American speech in old films and fiction.
""How?" she said, cupping her ear."
How to Use How
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe everyday question word for asking about method, manner, or degree.
Common pairings
how come
how about
how much
Word Forms
hows plural, how's plural, hows plural, Hows plural
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_____ did you fix the leak so quickly?
Etymology
From Old English hū, from a Proto-Germanic root shared with "who" and "what" — the /hw/ sound simplified to /h/ earlier in "how" than in "who" or "which."