What does however mean?
“However” is a versatile English word with two principal modern uses. In patterns such as “however difficult” or “however much,” it means “no matter how” or “to whatever extent.” It can also mean “in whatever way,” as in “however you arrange it.” When placed at the beginning of a sentence, however often introduces a contrast and means “nevertheless” or “on the other hand.” The word is common in both formal and informal English and can link ideas without requiring a second conjunction. Although its basic form is simple, its punctuation and placement affect its meaning: “However hard she tried, she failed” uses it to modify “hard,” while “She tried hard; however, she failed” uses it to signal opposition. Its history also reflects a shift from describing manner or degree to expressing contrast.
Means “no matter how” or “to whatever extent,” commonly followed by an adjective or adverb; it can also mean “nevertheless” and introduce a contrast.
"However expensive the option, we should choose the one that lasts."
In a contrastive sense, “however” is commonly set off by commas when it begins a sentence. When it modifies an adjective or adverb within a sentence, it usually takes no comma before the clause it introduces.
Introduces a clause expressing the manner in which something is done, meaning “in whatever way” or “no matter how.”
"You may complete the form however you prefer."
This use is common in constructions such as “however you like” and “however it may be.” Many modern style guides treat these examples as adverbial uses rather than a separate conjunction.
The word “however” began life as a question-free equivalent of “in whatever way,” before evolving into the powerful contrastive word we use today.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does however come from?
“However” developed from the Middle English expression “how ever,” literally “how ever,” meaning “in whatever way” or “to whatever extent.” Its modern contrasting sense meaning “nevertheless” developed later. The element “ever” had a distributive force, as it still does in related forms such as “whatever,” “whenever,” and “howsoever.”
How however is actually used
“However” is neutral in register and is especially common in formal writing and speech. When it introduces a contrast, it is often followed by a comma. In constructions such as “however difficult,” no comma is normally used before the clause it modifies.
Easily confused with however
“However” is one word meaning “no matter how” or “nevertheless,” while “how ever” is an older two-word form meaning “in whatever way.”
“However” is the standard modern form, whereas “howsoever” is chiefly formal or archaic and often means “in whatever way.”