What does "however" mean?
Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of that.
However
/haʊˈɛvə/ adv, conj, slang
adv, conj, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of that.
- Grammar: however is listed as adv, conj, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: nevertheless, nonetheless, still, yet.
- Useful contrasts: conceptual category, educational pond ecosystem, accordingly.
- Usage evidence: However fast you may walk, you can't catch up with him.
How to use "however"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "however" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "however" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "however" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "however" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "however" is acting as adv, conj, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "nevertheless" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "however", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Adverb
- 1 Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of that. conjunctive, not-comparable
"He told me not to do it. However, I did it anyway. / I did it anyway, however. / I, however, did it anyway."
- 2 In contrast. conjunctive, not-comparable
"The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster."
- 3 Regardless of how; no matter how not-comparable
"However clear you think you've been, and however many questions you may've answered, there'll always remain some doubts."
- 4 Regardless of how; regardless of the way in which. not-comparable
"Let me know when you've had your interview, however it goes."
- 5 In any way in which; how. not-comparable
"She offered to help however she could."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 In any way that one likes or chooses; in a haphazard or spontaneous way. informal, not-comparable
"I don't care; just do it however."
- 7 How ever: an emphatic form of how, used to ask in what manner. interrogative, not-comparable
"I thought it was impossible. However were you able to do it?"
- 8 In any case, at any rate, at all events. not-comparable, obsolete
"Our chief end and highest interest is happiness : And this is happiness to be freed from all (if it may) [or] however from the greatest evils."
Adverb
- 1 despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession) wordnet
- 2 in whatever way or manner wordnet
- 3 to whatever degree or extent wordnet
- 4 by contrast; on the other hand wordnet
Conjunction
- 1 But, yet, though, although. proscribed
"*She wanted to go, however she decided against it."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"However fast you may walk, you can't catch up with him."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "however"?
Common synonyms include: nevertheless, nonetheless, still, yet, after all, again.
How do you use "however" in a sentence?
However fast you may walk, you can't catch up with him.
How do you pronounce "however"?
Pronounced /haʊˈɛvə/.
Etymology
From Middle English however, how-ever, how-evere; equivalent to how + ever. Compare howsoever.