adv
however
how-EH-vuh
adv
1
Nevertheless; in spite of what was just said.
"It was raining hard; however, the match went ahead."
"I don't agree with the plan. However, I'll support it if the team votes for it."
2
No matter how; to whatever degree or extent.
"However hard he tried, the door wouldn't budge."
"You can paint the room however you like."
conj
1
But; yet; although.
"She wanted to leave early; however, her boss needed her to stay."
How to Use However
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA more formal way of saying "but" — used to introduce a contrast or exception to what was just said.
Common mistake
When it means "but," it usually needs a semicolon or full stop before it, not a comma: "I like it; however, it's expensive" — not "I like it, however it's expensive."
Common pairings
however
however hard
however much
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It was raining hard; _____, the match went ahead.
Etymology
From Middle English how + ever — literally "how ever," which hardened over time into a single contrast word.