However

How to spell however

7 letters · 3 syllables

How to pronounce however

Say the part in capitals loudest.

What does however mean?

1. adverbUsed to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies what was said before.
2. adverbIn whatever way or to whatever degree; no matter how.

However in a sentence

• The figures look strong; however, the costs have risen sharply.

• However hard she tried, the door would not open.

• The train was delayed; she still arrived on time, however.

• You may decorate the room however you like.

Where does however come from?

Language of origin: Germanic

This word is a straightforward compound of the native English words 'how' and 'ever', both of which descend from Old English. 'How' comes from Old English 'hu', meaning 'in what way', while 'ever' comes from 'aefre', meaning 'always' or 'at any time'. The two were combined in Middle English to form an emphatic phrase, originally carrying the sense 'in whatever way' or 'no matter how'. Over time it settled into two roles: a degree adverb stressing 'to whatever extent', and a connecting word signalling a contrast with what came before. Because it is built from two everyday words written solid as one, the only real spelling hazard is remembering the single medial 'w' and not accidentally splitting it into two words.

How the word is built

• how (in what way)
• -ever (intensifier/emphatic suffix)