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