However yet they me despise and spite. --Spenser.
Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.
--Shak.
2. 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. --Tillotson.
In your excuse your love does little say; You might
howe'er have took a better way. --Dryden.
Syn: {However}, {At least}, {Nevertheless}, {Yet}.
Usage: These words, as here compared, have an adversative
sense in reference to something referred to in the
context. However is the most general, and leads to a
final conclusion or decision. Thus we say, the truth,
however, has not yet fully come out; i.e., such is the
speaker's conclusion in view of the whole case. So
also we say, however, you may rely on my assistance to
that amount; i. e., at all events, whatever may
happen, this is my final decision. At least is
adversative in another way. It points out the utmost
concession that can possibly be required, and still
marks the adversative conclusion; as, at least, this
must be done; whatever may be our love of peace, we
must at least maintain the rights of conscience.
Nevertheless denotes that though the concession be
fully made, it has no bearing of the question; as,
nevertheless, we must go forward. Yet signifies that
however extreme the supposition or fact comceded may
be, the consequence which might naturally be expected
does not and will not follow; as, though I should die
with thee, yet will I not deny thee; though he slay
me, yet will I trust in him. Cf. {But}.