However
/haʊˈɛv.ər/noun
Used to introduce a contrast, limitation, or qualification, or to mean in whatever way.
Did you know?The contrastive sense of “however” developed from the older idea of “in whatever manner,” turning a question of method into a rhetorical reversal.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kʷo- / *kʷi-
“An interrogative-relative root meaning “who,” “what,” or “which,” ancestor of the “how” family.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*hwō
“An interrogative adverb meaning “how” or “in what way.””
Old English
Old English
hū
““How”; an adverb asking about manner or method.”
Middle English
Middle English
hou ever / how ever
““In whatever way” or “by whatever means,” formed from how plus ever.”
16th Century
English
however
“A conjunction or adverb increasingly used to introduce contrast, roughly “nevertheless” or “despite that.””
Modern English
English
however
“A contrast marker, or an adverb meaning “in whatever way,” depending on context.”