Meaning of however

(adv) 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"; "he was a stern yet fair master"; "granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go"

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"

in whatever way or manner; "Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet"; "however he did it, it was very clever"