however
how-EH-vuh
However (adv) means Nevertheless; in spite of what was just said. Example: “It was raining hard; however, the match went ahead.”
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."
"The hotel was cheap; the rooms, however, were spotless and the staff were friendly."
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."
"However late you arrive, please wake me so we can have a proper chat."
conj
1
But; yet; although.
"She wanted to leave early; however, her boss needed her to stay."
"The shop opens at nine; however, the cafe next door opens an hour earlier."
"He promised to call; however, we heard nothing from him all evening."
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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like however.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for however
See all rhymes for however →Frequently asked questions
What does “however” mean?
The word “however” means nevertheless; in spite of what was just said. In plain terms, a more formal way of saying "but" — used to introduce a contrast or exception to what was just said.
How do you pronounce “however”?
“However” is pronounced how-EH-vuh (/haʊˈɛvɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “however” in a sentence?
Here is “however” used in a sentence: “It was raining hard; however, the match went ahead.”
What part of speech is “however”?
Depending on how it is used, “however” can be an adverb and a conjunction.
Where does the word “however” come from?
The word “however” comes from Middle English. From Middle English how + ever — literally "how ever," which hardened over time into a single contrast word.
Is “however” a common word?
“However” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “however” have?
“However” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: nevertheless; in spite of what was just said.
What is the difference between 'however' and 'but'?
Both signal contrast, but they work differently. 'But' is a conjunction that joins two clauses within one sentence: 'It rained, but we went out.' 'However' is an adverb, usually starting a new sentence or set off by commas: 'It rained. However, we went out.' 'However' is more formal than 'but.'
How do you punctuate 'however'?
When 'however' means 'nevertheless,' it is usually followed by a comma at the start of a sentence: 'However, the plan changed.' To join two independent clauses, use a semicolon before it and a comma after: 'The plan was set; however, it changed.' A simple comma alone would create a run-on.
Is 'however' formal or informal?
'However' leans formal and is common in academic, professional, and written English. In casual conversation, people more often say 'but,' 'though,' or 'still.' It is not stiff or old-fashioned, so it fits most writing, but stacking it too often can make prose feel heavy or overly cautious.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include however:
