How to pronounce however
Say it like how-EV-er. However has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (EV).
- how
- EV
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
However pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- howGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- EVSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of however
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: how-EV-uh.
What does however mean?
- despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)“although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it”“while we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed”
- by contrast; on the other hand“the first part was easy; the second, however, took hours”
- 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”
Where does however come from?
From Middle English however, how-ever, how-evere; equivalent to how + -ever.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with however
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of however.
Questions about saying however
How do you pronounce however?
Say how-EV-er. The American pronunciation is /ˌhaʊˈɛvɚ/. In British English it is /ˌhaʊˈɛvə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in however?
However has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (EV). Broken into parts: how · EV · er.
Is however pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌhaʊˈɛvə/ (how-EV-uh).