Word
however
Phoneticshow·ev·er, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌhaʊˈɛvɝ/
UK/haʊˈɛvɐ/
Sentence adverb
Definitions
01contrast / nevertheless
A2 · Elementary Academic · Formal
adv. you use this to introduce a statement that contrasts with what you just said.
adv. used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts a previous point. It is a conjunctive adverb that typically requires specific punctuation like a semicolon or comma.
日本語:しかし※
“The hotel was very expensive; however, the service was excellent.”
“The initial results of the study were promising; however, the research team cautioned that further longitudinal data would be required to confirm the findings.”
Pitfall
I wanted to go, however it was raining.
I wanted to go; however, it was raining.
When connecting two independent clauses, use a semicolon before 'however' and a comma after it, or start a new sentence.
Synonyms
02no matter how
B1 · Intermediate
adv. used to say that the result is the same no matter how much or in what way something happens.
adv. used to indicate that a situation remains the same regardless of the degree or extent of a quality. Often precedes an adjective or another adverb.
日本語:どんなに※
“However hard he tried, he couldn't open the heavy wooden door.”
“However carefully the documents were hidden, the investigators were confident they would eventually uncover the evidence of the fraud.”
Synonyms
03in whatever way
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in whatever way you like or in any way that is possible.
adv. in whatever manner or way; used to express that the method of doing something is not restricted.
“You can decorate the room however you want.”
“The software allows users to configure the interface however they see fit, providing maximum flexibility for different professional workflows.”
04emphatic 'how'
C1 · Advanced Informal
adv. an emphatic way of asking 'how' when you are very surprised.
adv. an emphatic form of the interrogative 'how', used to express surprise, frustration, or disbelief. Often written as two words ('how ever') in formal contexts.
“However did you manage to find my lost keys in this tall grass?”
“However did they expect to complete a project of this magnitude without securing the necessary capital beforehand?”
Synonyms
Etymology
From Middle English however, how-ever, how-evere; equivalent to how + ever. Compare howsoever.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/however
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0