However Meaning and Definition
However
Pronunciation
/hʌvər/
Part of Speech
Conjunction
Definition
A word used to introduce a contrast or an exception, typically used to link two clauses or sentences that have opposite meanings.
Examples
- I was going to the store, however I forgot my wallet.
- She wanted to go to the party, but somehow she ended up staying home, however.
Synonyms
- But
- Yet
- On the other hand
Antonyms
- Therefore
- Consequently
Etymology
The word “however” comes from the Old English phrase “hwað(e) oðer”, meaning “what(e) other” or “what is more”, and has been used in English since the 9th century to introduce a contrast or exception.
Usage Notes
However is often used to introduce a statement that is the opposite or contrary to what was expected or to clarify a previous statement that may have seemed unclear or confusing.
Cultural References
However has been used in popular culture to introduce a twist or surprise, often in dramatic or comedic effect. For example, in the movie “The Shawshank Redemption”, the characters state “However, the same cannot be said for the warden.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“However” is often used in idiomatic expressions such as “However, I didn’t like the outcome” or “However, I couldn’t agree more.”
Related Words or Phrases
Vice versa, otherwise, but instead, and yet are all related words or phrases that convey contrast or exception.
Collocations
However is commonly used with collocations such as “however big” or “however small”, to describe a situation or object that is the opposite of what was expected.
Frequency of Use
However is a common word in modern English, used in around 10% of written and spoken language, although its frequency of use can vary depending on the context and register of language.
Common Misspellings
Potential misspellings include “however” becoming “howeever”, “howevver”, or “how efer”, although these are relatively rare.