however
- 01 B1 Intermediate
used to say that the degree or amount of something does not change the situation.
used to indicate that a state or action remains the same regardless of the extent or degree of a quality.
Simple“However hard he tried, he couldn't open the heavy wooden door.”
In context“However carefully the data is collected, there will always be a small margin of error in the final report.”
UsageUsually followed immediately by an adjective or another adverb.
Synonymsregardless of howno matter how - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
in whatever way you like or in any way that is possible.
in whatever manner or way; used to express that the method of doing something is not restricted.
Simple“You can decorate the room however you want.”
In context“The software allows users to organise their files however they see fit, providing maximum flexibility for different workflows.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
an emphatic way of asking 'how' when you are surprised.
used as an intensive form of 'how' to express surprise, frustration, or disbelief in a question.
Simple“However did you manage to find my lost keys in this mess?”
In context“However did they finish the construction project so far ahead of the scheduled deadline?”
UsageOften written as two words ('how ever') in formal contexts, but frequently joined in modern informal writing.
Synonymshow on earth
Usage however scientists
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.