/ haʊ; NAmE / adverb
1.
in what way or manner :
How does it work?
He did not know how he ought to behave.
I'll show you how to load the software.
'Her behaviour was very odd.' ' How so? '
It's funny how (= that) people always remember him.
Do you remember how (= that) the kids always loved going there?
How ever did you get here so quickly?
—compare however
2.
used to ask about sb's health :
How are you?
How are you feeling now?
3.
used to ask whether sth is successful or enjoyable :
How was your trip?
How did they play?
4.
used before an adjective or adverb to ask about the amount, degree, etc. of sth, or about sb's age :
How often do you go swimming?
I didn't know how much to bring.
How much are those earrings (= What do they cost) ?
How many people were there?
How old is she?
5.
used to express surprise, pleasure, etc. :
How kind of you to help!
How he wished he had been there!
6.
in any way in which
SYN however :
I'll dress how I like in my own house!
•
IDIOMS
- how about ... ?
- how can / could you!
- how come?
- how do you do
- how's that?
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English hū , of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch hoe , also to who and what .