HOWEVER

however, nevertheless, withal, still, yet, all the same, even so, nonetheless, notwithstanding, at the same time

(adverb) despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession); “although I’m a little afraid, however I’d like to try it”; “while we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed”; “he was a stern yet fair master”; “granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go”

however

(adverb) in whatever way or manner; “Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet”; “however he did it, it was very clever”

however

(adverb) to whatever degree or extent; “The results, however general, are important”; “they have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the opposition’s concerns”

however

(adverb) by contrast; on the other hand; “the first part was easy; the second, however, took hours”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Adverb

however (not comparable)

Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of (that).

(degree) To whatever degree or extent

(manner) In whatever way or manner.

An emphatic form of how.

(obsolete) In any case, at any rate, at all events.

Synonyms

• (nevertheless): nonetheless, notwithstanding, that said, still and all; see also nevertheless

• (to whatever degree): ad lib, howsoever, howso

• (emphatic howin whatever manner): anyhow, howsoever, howso

• (emphatic how): how + the dickens (see the dickens)

• (in any case): after all, anyway; see also regardless

Conjunction

however

In whatever way or manner.

(proscribed) Although, though, but, yet.

Usage notes

• Both conjunctive uses of "however" are identical to adverbial uses except in punctuation (when written) and in prosody (when spoken). Hence, the following proscribed sentence

He told me not to do it, however I did it.

He told me not to do it; however, I did it.

He told me not to do it, but I did it.

• In particular, when used as a conjunction in this sense, however always appears between the clauses it connects; it does not introduce a subordinate clause that can be moved to the start of an independent clause, but simply coordinates two independent clauses.

Anagrams

• everwho, whoever

Source: Wiktionary


How*ev"er, adv. Etym: [Sometimes contracted into howe'er.]

1. In whetever manner, way, or degree. However yet they me despise and spite. Spenser. Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault. Shak.

2. At all events; at least; in any case. Our chief end is to be freed from all, if it may be, however from the greatest evils. Tillotson.

How*ev"er, conj.

Definition: Nevertheless; notwithstanding; yet; still; though; as, I shall not oppose your design; I can not, however, approve of it. In your excuse your love does little say; You might howe'er have took a better way. Dryden.

Syn.

– However, At least, Nevertheless, Yet. These words, as here compared, have an adversative sense in reference to something referred to in the context. However is the most general, and leads to a final conclusion or decision. Thus we say, the truth, however, has not yet fully come out; i.e., such is the speaker's conclusion in view of the whole case. So also we say, however, you may rely on my assistance to that amount; i. e., at all events, whatever may happen, this is my final decision. At least is adversative in another way. It points out the utmost concession that can possibly be required, and still marks the adversative conclusion; as, at least, this must be done; whatever may be our love of peace, we must at least maintain the rights of conscience. Nevertheless denotes that though the concession be fully made, it has no bearing of the question; as, nevertheless, we must go forward. Yet signifies that however extreme the supposition or fact comceded may be, the consequence which might naturally be expected does not and will not follow; as, though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee; though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. Cf. But.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

25 December 2024

UNAMBIGUOUS

(adjective) having or exhibiting a single clearly defined meaning; “As a horror, apartheid...is absolutely unambiguous”- Mario Vargas Llosa


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Coffee Trivia

Coffee is a brewed drink prepared from roasted coffee beans, the seeds of berries from certain Coffea species. When coffee berries turn from green to bright red – indicating ripeness – they are picked, processed, and dried. Dried coffee seeds are roasted to varying degrees, depending on the desired flavor.

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