1.despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
2.by contrast; on the other hand;
the first part was easy; the second, however, took hours
3.to whatever degree or extent;
The results, however general, are important
4.in whatever way or manner;
Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet
5.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?