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3 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: However \How*ev"er\, adv [Sometimes contracted into howe'er.] 1. In whetever manner, way or degree. However yet they me despise and spite. --Spenser. Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault. --Shak. 2. At all events; at least; in any case. Our chief end is to be freed from all if it may be however from the greatest evils. --Tillotson. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: However \How*ev"er\, conj. Nevertheless; notwithstanding; yet still though; as I shall not oppose your design; I can not however, approve of it In your excuse your love does little say You might howe'er have took a better way --Dryden. Syn: {However}, {At least}, {Nevertheless}, {Yet}. Usage: These words as here compared, have an adversative sense in reference to something referred to in the context. However is the most general, and leads to a final conclusion or decision. Thus we say the truth, however, has not yet fully come out i.e., such is the speaker's conclusion in view of the whole case. So also we say however, you may rely on my assistance to that amount; i. e., at all events, whatever may happen, this is my final decision. At least is adversative in another way It points out the utmost concession that can possibly be required, and still marks the adversative conclusion; as at least, this must be done whatever may be our love of peace, we must at least maintain the rights of conscience. Nevertheless denotes that though the concession be fully made it has no bearing of the question; as nevertheless, we must go forward. Yet signifies that however extreme the supposition or fact comceded may be the consequence which might naturally be expected does not and will not follow as though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee; though he slay me yet will I trust in him Cf {But}. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: however adv 1: 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" [syn: {nevertheless}, {withal}, {still}, {yet}, {all the same}, {even so}, {nonetheless}, {notwithstanding}] 2: by contrast; on the other hand; "the first part was easy; the second however, took hours" 3: 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" 4: in whatever way or manner; "Victory, however it was brought about was sweet"; "however he did it it was very clever" 5: in what way or manner or by what means "how did you catch the snake?"; "he told us how he did it"; (`however' is used as an intensive of `how' as in "however did you get here so soon?") [syn: {how}]
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