I. hau̇ˈ(w)evə(r) conjunction
Etymology: Middle English, from how + ever
1.
a. : in whatever manner or way
can go however he likes
b. : no matter to what degree or extent
however much he gives her, she wants more
2. archaic : although
howe'er thou art a fiend, a woman's shape doth shield thee — Shakespeare
II. adverb
1.
a. : to whatever degree or extent
has done this for however many thousands of years — Emma Hawkridge
every device, however paltry, was resorted to — W.H.Prescott
b. : in whatever manner or way
shall serve you, sir, truly, however else — Shakespeare
2. : in spite of that : on the other hand : but
it still seems possible, however , that conditions will improve
I would like to go; however , I think I'd better not
3. archaic : at all events : at least : in any case
4. : how in the world
however did you manage it