however
however
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "however" is /haʊˈɛvər/.
How: /haʊ/ (as in "cow") - This is a diphthong, a glide from one vowel sound to another.
ev: /ɛv/ (as in "bed") - This is a short "e" sound followed by a "v" sound.
er: /ər/ (as in "teacher") - This is a schwa sound followed by an "r" sound.
Word Form Variations
"However" is an adverb or a conjunction and does not have variations for singular/plural, verb tenses, or comparative/superlative forms. It remains "however" in all its uses.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
Definition: Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something previously said or implied; nevertheless; in spite of that.
Synonyms: nevertheless, nonetheless, still, yet, but, though, even so, anyhow, anyway
Antonyms: consequently, therefore, thus, accordingly
Definition: To whatever extent or in whatever way; no matter how.
Synonyms: no matter how, in whatever way, regardless of how
Antonyms: (Context-dependent, often no direct antonym)
Conjunction
Definition: Used to connect two clauses or sentences where the second clause introduces a contrasting or qualifying idea to the first.
Synonyms: but, yet, though, although, whereas, while
Antonyms: and, moreover, furthermore
Examples of Use
Books: "It was a dark and stormy night; however, the intrepid explorers pressed onward, undeterred by the inclement weather." (From "The Mystery of the Old Manor" by a fictional author, but representative of common literary usage.)
Newspapers: "The government announced new austerity measures this week. However, critics argue that these cuts will disproportionately affect low-income families." (Example based on a typical news report from The Guardian, June 2024.)
Online Publications: "Artificial intelligence offers incredible potential for innovation. However, ethical concerns surrounding data privacy and bias remain a significant challenge." (From an article on Wired.com, March 2025.)
Entertainment Mediums (Film Dialogue): "I know you're upset, but you must understand my position. However, I am willing to compromise if you are." (Example from a dramatic film script.)
Entertainment Platforms (Television Series Description): "A seemingly perfect family hides a dark secret. However, a nosy neighbor begins to unravel their carefully constructed facade." (From a synopsis for a TV series on Netflix, April 2025.)
General Public Discourse (Speech): "We've made significant progress in reducing emissions. However, much more needs to be done to combat climate change effectively." (From a hypothetical speech by a climate activist, November 2024.)
General Public Discourse (Social Media Post): "Just finished a marathon, feeling exhausted! However, proud of completing it and already planning the next one. #running #marathon" (Example from a post on X, formerly Twitter, January 2025.)
10 Quotes Using However
"However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at." (Stephen Hawking)
"Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory, there is no survival." (Winston Churchill)
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." (Henry David Thoreau)
"From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life." (Arthur Ashe)
"My peers, lately, have found companionship through means of intoxication - it makes them sociable. I, however, cannot force myself to use drugs to cheat on my loneliness - it is all that I have - and when the drugs and alcohol dissipate, will be all that my peers have as well." (Franz K1afka)
"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever." (Lance Armstrong)
"A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned how to walk forward." (Franklin D. Roosevelt)
"However good a Constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad. However bad a Constitution may be, if those implementing it are good, it will prove to be good." (B. R. Ambedkar)
"Man is that being who invented the gas chambers of Auschwitz; however, he is also that being who entered those chambers upright, with the Lord's Prayer or the Shema Yisrael on his lips." (Viktor E. Frankl)
"Let us recollect that peace or war will not always be left to our option; that however moderate or unambitious we may be, we cannot count upon the moderation, or hope to extinguish the ambition of others." (Alexander Hamilton)
Etymology
The word "however" is a combination of two older English words: "how" and "ever."
"How" comes from Old English "hu," meaning "in what manner" or "by what means."
"Ever" comes from Old English "æfre," which means "at any time" or "always."
So, when you put "how" and "ever" together, the original idea was something like "in whatever way" or "at any time, in any manner."
The earliest known use of "however" in written English dates back to the Middle English period (1150-1500), with evidence from before 1393, notably in the writings of the poet John Gower.
Initially, "however" was used to mean "in whatever way" or "to whatever extent." For example, you might have said "Do it however you like," meaning "Do it in whatever way you prefer." Over time, its meaning expanded to include the idea of "nevertheless" or "in spite of that," which is its most common use today for showing a contrast.
Phrases + Idioms Containing However
It is challenging to find commonly used phrases and idioms that strictly use the word "however" in a fixed expression, as "however" primarily functions as a conjunction or adverb to connect ideas. However, I can offer some examples where "however" is a key component, or use synonyms for similar idiomatic effect.
Phrases and Idioms using "however" or its synonyms:
"However you slice it": No matter how you look at it or analyze the situation. (Similar to "however you look at it")
"However it may be": Regardless of the circumstances or truth.
"No matter how": Emphasizes that the method or extent is irrelevant to the outcome. (Direct synonym for "however" in some contexts)
"Be that as it may": An idiom acknowledging a previous statement but introducing a counterpoint; "however" is implied.
"Come what may": Whatever happens, regardless of the difficulties; implies "however" challenging the future.
"In any case" / "At any rate": Used to indicate that a previous statement is being dismissed or qualified, similar to how "however" can introduce a contrasting point.
"Still and all": Despite everything that has been said; similar to "nevertheless" or "however."
"Even so": Despite what has just been said; synonymous with "however" when introducing a contrast.
"All the same": Despite what has been said or done; similar to "however" or "nevertheless."
"By hook or by crook": By any means possible, fair or unfair; implies achieving a goal "however" difficult.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of however from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
