Definition of however
1
: in whatever manner or way that
- will help however I can
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Examples of however in a Sentence
Do it however you like.
I will help however I can.
Beginning a Sentence with However
However is one in a long list of words that students have been admonished to avoid placing at the beginning of a sentence (others include and, but, for, so, yet, and many more). Can you use however to start a sentence? Yes. Some usage guides will recommend against placing it there when the intended meaning is “nonetheless” but will allow it for other senses of however, but a considerable number of prominent (and not so prominent) writers utilize just this sense of however in the initial position. You should make your own judgment about such use and let your ear guide you regarding its appropriateness.
First Known Use of however
14th century
Definition of however
1 a
: in whatever manner or way
- shall serve you, sir, truly, however else
- —William Shakespeare
b
: to whatever degree or extent
- couldn't convince him, however hard she tried
- has done this for however many thousands of years
- —Emma Hawkridge
2
: in spite of that : on the other hand
- still seems possible, however, that conditions will improve
- would like to go; however, I think I'd better not
3
: how in the world
- however did you manage to do it
Examples of however in a Sentence
I'm all out of eggs; however, I can still make us a nice breakfast.
Recent Examples of however from the Web
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There were no requirements about droid recharging, however.
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But the future for alternative-energy RVs doesn't seem to be decades away, however.
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Colin Jacobsen and Ma’s relationship was delightfully in sync, however — the two grinning at each other as the tempo quickened in more intense moments.
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In reality, however, the shuffle may be as superficial a change as Zuckerberg’s shirt.
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Other experts in the field are optimistic, however.
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The best part, however, may be the special sifter/cap combo that, for once in loose powder's life, doesn't create a big ol' mess.
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Regardless of Dove’s editorial standards, however, its journals are not what anyone would call widely read.
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For Tesla, that phase was atypically public, however.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'however.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of however
14th century
however Synonyms
Synonyms
even so, howbeit, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, still, though, withal, yet;
Related Words
Phrases
all the same (or just the same), at the same time;
HOWEVER Defined for English Language Learners
however
Definition of however for English Language Learners
-
—used when you are saying something that is different from or contrasts with a previous statement
-
: to whatever degree or extent : no matter how
-
—used as a more forceful way of saying how
HOWEVER Defined for Kids
Definition of however for Students
1
: to whatever degree or extent
- Finish the job however long it takes.
2
: in whatever way
- However you want to do it is fine.
3
: in spite of that
- The car was old. It did, however, get us home.
Learn More about however
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See words that rhyme with however Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for however Spanish Central: Translation of however Nglish: Translation of however for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of however for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
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