# however

/ˌhaʊˈɛvɝ/ (US) · /haʊˈɛvɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/however
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. no matter how

adverb · CEFR B1

used to say that the degree or amount of something does not change the situation.

For teachers: used to indicate that a state or action remains the same regardless of the extent or degree of a quality.

- However hard he tried, he couldn't open the heavy wooden door.
- However carefully the data is collected, there will always be a small margin of error in the final report.

Usage: Usually followed immediately by an adjective or another adverb.

### 3. in whatever way

adverb · CEFR B2

in whatever way you like or in any way that is possible.

For teachers: 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 organise their files however they see fit, providing maximum flexibility for different workflows.

### 4. emphatic how

adverb · CEFR B2 · Informal

an emphatic way of asking 'how' when you are surprised.

For teachers: used as an intensive form of 'how' to express surprise, frustration, or disbelief in a question.

- However did you manage to find my lost keys in this mess?
- However did they finish the construction project so far ahead of the scheduled deadline?

Usage: Often written as two words ('how ever') in formal contexts, but frequently joined in modern informal writing.

## Examples

- The food was expensive; however, it was delicious.
- The team played exceptionally well throughout the first half; however, they failed to score a single goal.
- The initial research findings were largely inconclusive; however, the secondary analysis revealed a significant correlation between the two variables that had previously gone unnoticed.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.