1. Introducing a subordinate
clause, sometimes with yet in the principal clause: a.
qualifying a verb: In whatever manner, by whatever means.
1709
ADDISON
Tatler No. 119
1,
I am still in Doubt, whether it passed in my sleeping or waking
Thoughts. However it was, I fancied that my good Genius stood at my
Bed's-Head.
b. qualifying an adj. (or pa.
pple.) or adv.: To whatever extent. Hence often used ellipt. with an adj. or
adv. alone.
1766
GOLDSM.
Vic. W. vi, However dark
the habitation of the mole to our eyes, yet the animal itself finds the
apartment sufficiently lightsome.
1845
M. PATTISON
Ess. (1889) I. 25 His
innocence, however manifest, could not save him.
1885
Times 25 May 9 Trawlers will, of course,
protest against any interference, however slight.
3. Qualifying a sentence or
clause as a whole: For all that, nevertheless, notwithstanding; yet; =
but at the beginning of the sentence.
1613
SHAKES.
Hen. VIII,
IV.
i. 106 All the Land knowes that: How euer, yet there is
no great breach.
1671
MILTON
Samson 601, I, however,
Must not omit a father's timely care.
1766
GOLDSM.
Vic. W. x, This
curiosity of theirs, however, was attended with very serious effects.
1790
BURKE
Fr. Rev. 27 However,
they did not think such bold changes within their commission.
1861
M. PATTISON
Ess. (1889) I. 47 It has
been even said that this church was built by the Germans, which however
was not the case.
1865
LUBBOCK
Preh. Times 19 Bronze
arrows, however, are not very common in Northern Europe.