However vs. Howsoever — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 18, 2024
"However" is used to introduce a contradiction or contrast to a previous statement, while "howsoever" emphasizes the extent or degree to which something applies, regardless of conditions.
Difference Between However and Howsoever
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Key Differences
"However" is typically used as a conjunction or adverb in sentences to introduce a contrast or exception, such as "I wanted to go, however, it was raining." On the other hand, "howsoever" is an adverb that intensifies or extends the degree, meaning, or manner of an action, similar to saying "in whatever way" or "to whatever extent."
While "however" can be used to begin a sentence or as a mid-sentence pause for emphasis, "howsoever" is more flexible in modifying verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs, usually related to conditions or stipulations, such as in legal or formal contexts.
In usage, "however" serves to pivot or reverse the direction of the argument or narrative previously established. Conversely, "howsoever" tends to underscore the scope or limitlessness of possibilities, often in more formal or literary expressions.
While both words can function to connect ideas, "however" is straightforward in signaling a contradiction, whereas "howsoever" can make statements more complex by introducing variable conditions or degrees.
The use of "however" is common in everyday speech and writing, making it a familiar tool for expressing contrasts. "Howsoever," however, appears more in legal documents or literary texts, emphasizing a formal tone or heightened conditionality.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Conjunction or adverb
Adverb
Usage context
General, everyday language
Formal, literary, legal contexts
Meaning
Introduces contrast or exception
Emphasizes extent or condition
Sentence example
"I wanted to go, however, it rained."
"Complete the task howsoever you can."
Commonality
Very common in spoken and written English
Less common, more formal
Compare with Definitions
However
Indicates a contradiction.
He is old, however, he is still very active.
Howsoever
Indicates any possible way.
You must solve it, howsoever difficult it may be.
However
Used to introduce a different idea.
She planned to travel. however, her plans changed.
Howsoever
To whatever extent.
Howsoever long it takes, I will finish this project.
However
Signals a pause for contrast.
However, there was one problem.
Howsoever
Emphasizes conditionality.
Complete the task howsoever you can.
However
Introduces an exception.
However much he tried, he could not open the jar.
Howsoever
Specifies limitless options.
He is free to express his opinions, howsoever controversial.
However
Connects contrasting statements.
It was raining. however, we decided to go out.
Howsoever
In whatever manner.
Howsoever you choose to proceed, ensure it is legal.
However
In spite of that; nevertheless; yet
The book is expensive.
However, it's worth it.
Howsoever
To whatever degree or extent.
However
On the other hand; by contrast
The first part was easy.
The second, however, took hours.
Howsoever
By whatever means.
However
To whatever degree or extent
"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).
Howsoever
Regardless of the way in which.
Howsoever they pleaded, their pleas went unheard.
However
In what way. Used as an intensive of how
However did you get here so soon?.
Howsoever
In any manner whatsoever.
The party to this agreement may use the property whensoever and howsoever he or she pleases.
However
In whatever manner or way that
Dress however you like.
Howsoever
To whatever degree or extent.
Their evidence, howsoever true it may have been, was not believed.
However
(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although
"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).
Howsoever
In what manner soever; to whatever degree or extent; however.
I am glad he's come, howsoever he comes.
However
(conjunctive) Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of that.
He told me not to do it. However, I did it anyway. / I did it anyway, however. / I, however, did it anyway.
She wanted to go; however, she decided against it.
I didn't argue with him; I still think, however, that he is wrong.
Howsoever
Although; though; however.
However
(conjunctive) In contrast.
The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.
However
(degree) To whatever degree or extent.
However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.
However
In any way that one likes or chooses; in a haphazard or spontaneous way.
I don't care; just do it however.
Nothing was really planned; things just happened however.
However
(interrogative) How ever: an emphatic form of how, used to ask in what manner.
I thought it was impossible. However were you able to do it?
However
(obsolete) In any case, at any rate, at all events.
However
Regardless of the way in which.
Let me know when you've had your interview, however it goes.
However we do this, it isn't going to work.
However
In any way in which.
She offered to help however she could.
Wear your hair however you want.
However
(proscribed) But, yet, though, although.
However
In whetever manner, way, or degree.
However yet they me despise and spite.
Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.
However
At all events; at least; in any case.
Our chief end is to be freed from all, if it may be, however from the greatest evils.
However
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; yet; still; though; as, I shall not oppose your design; I can not, however, approve of it.
In your excuse your love does little say;You might howe'er have took a better way.
However
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
However
By contrast; on the other hand;
The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours
However
To whatever degree or extent;
The results, however general, are important
They have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the opposition's concerns
However
In whatever way or manner;
Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet
However he did it, it was very clever
However
In what way or manner or by what means (`however' is sometimes used as an intensive form of `how');
How did you catch the snake?
He told us how he did it
However did you get here so soon?
Common Curiosities
What does however mean?
However is used to introduce a contrasting part of a sentence or idea.
What does howsoever mean?
Howsoever means in whatever way, to whatever extent, or under whatever conditions.
What are typical contexts for using however?
However is commonly used in both spoken and written English to express contrasts.
How do however and howsoever differ in function?
However is mainly a contrasting tool, while howsoever is used to discuss possibilities or extents.
In what kind of sentences is howsoever found?
Howsoever is typically found in more complex or conditional sentences, often in formal writing.
Is howsoever commonly used in everyday speech?
No, howsoever is more often used in formal, literary, or legal contexts.
What is an example of how however can be used in a sentence?
For example, "She wanted to buy the car; however, she didn't have enough money."
Can however and howsoever be used interchangeably?
No, however introduces a contrast, while howsoever emphasizes the degree or manner extensively.
Can howsoever start a sentence?
Howsoever generally does not start a sentence but modifies specific parts within a sentence.
Can however start a sentence?
Yes, however can start a sentence when introducing a contradiction or contrast.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
