however
gb/hˌaʊˈɛvɚ/ us/hˌaʊˈɛvɚ/
B1
English
~ 200
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
relation
1
used to contrast with earlier point
Used to say something different from what was said before.
Usage pattern:
[statement]. However, [contrasting statement].
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'however' with 'but' in sentence position; 'however' is more common at the start of a sentence or after a semicolon in writing.
Synonyms
nevertheless (Slightly more formal; often interchangeable in writing.)
|
but (More common in speech and less formal.)
Antonyms
therefore (Signals a conclusion or result rather than contrast.)
Collocations
however, it seems
|however hard
|however unlikely
|however much
Themes
communication
|logic
|writing
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I wanted to go for a walk. However, it started raining.
- The plan was well thought out. However, it failed in execution.
- She said she was tired. However, she kept working late into the night.
Learner examples
- I like this dress. However, it is too expensive.
- He studied hard. However, he did not pass the exam.
- It is sunny today. However, it is very cold.
adverb
B2
relation
2
no matter how much or in what way
Used to mean 'no matter how' something happens.
Usage pattern:
however + [adjective/adverb] + [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners may omit the adjective/adverb after 'however', making the sentence incomplete.
Synonyms
regardless of how (More formal and explicit.)
Antonyms
only if (Introduces a condition instead of removing it.)
Collocations
however hard
|however much
|however difficult
Themes
communication
|emphasis
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- However hard I try, I can't solve this problem.
- You can decorate the room however you like.
- However much he eats, he never gains weight.
Learner examples
- However fast I run, I am late.
- You can sit however you want.
- However much she studies, she is nervous.
adverb
B2
property
3
by any means or method
In any way or method possible.
Usage pattern:
however + [verb phrase]
Synonyms
by any means (Emphasizes determination to achieve something.)
Antonyms
in no way (States impossibility instead of possibility.)
Collocations
achieve it however possible
|fix it however you can
Themes
communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We must finish the project however we can.
- She managed to escape however she did it.
- Get the job done however possible.
Learner examples
- I will help you however I can.
- Please fix it however you can.
- He solved the problem however he could.
Grammar
Dictionary form
however
IPA
GB/hˌaʊˈɛvɚ/
US/hˌaʊˈɛvɚ/
Syllables & stress
how - ever (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ever)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: however
- Plural: howevers
Word family
Expressions
however you look at it
1/hˌaʊˈɛvɚ jˈu lˈʊk ˈæt ˈɪt/
fixed phrase
in every possible way of viewing
No matter how you think about it, the result is the same.
Examples
- However you look at it, the decision was unfair.
- It's a bad deal, however you look at it.
however you slice it
1/hˌaʊˈɛvɚ jˈu slˈaɪs ˈɪt/
fixed phrase
informal
in every possible interpretation
No matter how you think about something, the result is the same.
Examples
- It's going to be expensive, however you slice it.
- However you slice it, we have a problem.