however
/hau'evə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb:
- In whatever way or manner; to whatever degree or extent: Used to indicate that something is true or happens in any possible way or to any possible degree.
- By contrast; on the other hand: Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously.
- Despite anything to the contrary; nevertheless: Used to introduce a fact or idea that is surprising or seems to contradict what has just been said, often following a concession.
Conjunction:
- In whatever way or manner that: Used to connect clauses, indicating that the action of the main clause is true regardless of the specific way or manner described in the subordinate clause.
Usage Examples
- Adverb (In whatever way):
- However you choose to travel, please arrive on time.
- The task must be completed, however difficult it may seem.
- Adverb (By contrast):
- The first exam was easy. The second, however, was very challenging.
- She is very talented. However, she lacks experience.
- Adverb (Nevertheless):
- The weather was terrible. However, we decided to go for a walk.
- He was tired. However, he finished the report.
- Conjunction:
- You can arrange the furniture however you like.
- She will manage the project however she sees fit.
Advanced Usage
- "However much/many": Used to emphasize that an amount or degree, no matter how large, does not change a situation.
- However much you practice, you must stay focused.
- However many times I explain it, he doesn't understand.
- Positioning for Emphasis: "However" can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence or clause to modify its flow and emphasis.
- However, we must consider the costs. (Beginning, strong contrast)
- We must, however, consider the costs. (Middle, more integrated contrast)
- The decision was correct, however. (End, afterthought or mild contrast)
Variants and Related Words
- Howsoever (adverb, conjunction): An archaic or very formal synonym for "however" meaning "in whatever way" or "to whatever extent." It is rarely used in modern English.
- Howsoever you interpret the law, the outcome is clear.
Synonyms
- Nevertheless: In spite of that; notwithstanding.
- It was raining. Nevertheless, the game continued.
- Nonetheless: In spite of that; nevertheless.
- The evidence was weak. Nonetheless, the jury believed her.
- Yet: But at the same time; but nevertheless.
- She was angry, yet she smiled.
- Still: Nevertheless; all the same.
- I understand your point. Still, I disagree.
- Though (when used as an adverb at the end of a sentence): However; nevertheless.
- It's hard work. I enjoy it, though.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Be that as it may: A formal phrase used to concede a point before introducing a contrasting one, similar to "however."
- The plan has some flaws. Be that as it may, we should proceed.
- All the same: Despite what has just been said.
- He can be rude. All the same, I like him.
Adverb
- in whatever way or manner
- Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet
- however he did it, it was very clever
- to whatever degree or extent
- The results, however general, are important
- they have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the opposition's concerns
- by contrast; on the other hand; the second, however, took hours"
- the first part was easy
- despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession)
- although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
- while we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
- he was a stern yet fair master
- granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go