I. ˈhau̇ adverb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hū; akin to Old High German hwuo how, Old English hwā who — more at who
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : in what manner or way
b. : for what reason : why
c. : with what meaning : to what effect
d. : by what name or title
2. : to what degree or extent
3. : in what state or condition
how are you
4. : at what price
how a score of ewes now — Shakespeare
•
- how about
- how come
II. conjunction
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : the way or manner in which
remember how they fought
also : the state or condition in which
b. : that
told them how he had a situation — Charles Dickens
2. : however , as
a reader can shift his attention how he likes — William Empson
III. noun
Date: 1533
1. : a question about manner or method
2. : manner , method