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however

adv. sent.
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ˌhaʊˈɛvɝ// UK //haʊˈɛvɐ// how·ev·er Archaic General-service Informal

adv. used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what you just said. It is a more formal way to say 'but'.

adv. used to introduce a contrastive statement or a concession. Functions as a conjunctive adverb to link two independent ideas.


SIMPLE

The food was expensive; however, it was delicious.

CONTEXTUAL

The team played exceptionally well throughout the first half; however, they failed to score a single goal.

COMPLEX

The initial research findings were largely inconclusive; however, the secondary analysis revealed a significant correlation between the two variables that had previously gone unnoticed.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English however, how-ever, how-evere; equivalent to how + ever. Compare howsoever.

Usage

Typically used as a transition between two sentences or after a semicolon; it is usually followed by a comma.

Pitfall

I like tea however I don't like coffee.I like tea; however, I don't like coffee.However cannot join two independent clauses with only a comma; it requires a semicolon or a new sentence.

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