All 46 Uses of
however
in
Oliver Twist
- There being nobody by, however, but a pauper old woman, who was rendered rather misty by an unwonted allowance of beer; and a parish surgeon who did such matters by contract; Oliver and Nature fought out the point between them.
Chpt 1 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- Be this as it may, however, it was his ninth birthday; and he was keeping it in the coal-cellar with a select party of two other young gentleman, who, after participating with him in a sound thrashing, had been locked up for atrociously presuming to be hungry, when Mrs. Mann, the good lady of the house, was unexpectedly startled by the apparition of Mr. Bumble, the beadle, striving to undo the wicket of the garden-gate.
Chpt 2 (definition 1)
- Young as he was, however, he had sense enough to make a feint of feeling great regret at going away.
Chpt 2 (definition 1)
- He had no time to think about the matter, however; for Mr. Bumble gave him a tap on the head, with his cane, to wake him up: and another on the back to make him lively: and bidding him to follow, conducted him into a large white-washed room, where eight or ten fat gentlemen were sitting round a table.†
Chpt 2 (definition 1)
- To the performance of this feat, however, there was one obstacle: namely, that pocket-handkerchiefs being decided articles of luxury, had been, for all future times and ages, removed from the noses of paupers by the express order of the board, in council assembled: solemnly given and pronounced under their hands and seals.
Chpt 3 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- As they drew near to their destination, however, Mr. Bumble thought it expedient to look down, and see that the boy was in good order for inspection by his new master: which he accordingly did, with a fit and becoming air of gracious patronage.
Chpt 4 (definition 1)
- However, men always think they know best.
Chpt 4 (definition 1) *
- He needn't haven taken the trouble to shrink from Mr. Bumble's glance, however; for that functionary, on whom the prediction of the gentleman in the white waistcoat had made a very strong impression, thought that now the undertaker had got Oliver upon trial the subject was better avoided, until such time as he should be firmly bound for seven years, and all danger of his being returned upon the hands of the parish should be thus effectually and legally overcome.†
Chpt 5 (definition 1)
- There was not so great a necessity for hurrying as Mr. Sowerberry had anticipated, however; for when they reached the obscure corner of the churchyard in which the nettles grew, and where the parish graves were made, the clergyman had not arrived; and the clerk, who was sitting by the vestry-room fire, seemed to think it by no means improbable that it might be an hour or so, before he came.†
Chpt 5 (definition 1)
- The angry flush had not disappeared, however; and when he was pulled out of his prison, he scowled boldly on Noah, and looked quite undismayed.†
Chpt 7 (definition 1)
- The flood of tears, however, left him no resource; so he at once gave him a drubbing, which satisfied even Mrs. Sowerberry herself, and rendered Mr. Bumble's subsequent application of the parochial cane, rather unnecessary.
Chpt 7 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- He felt frightened at first, for the wind moaned dismally over the empty fields: and he was cold and hungry, and more alone than he had ever felt before. Being very tired with his walk, however, he soon fell asleep and forgot his troubles.
Chpt 8 (definition 1)however = though (used to connect contrasting ideas)
- Not being prepared, however, it alarmed him the more; so away he went like the wind, with the old gentleman and the two boys roaring and shouting behind him.
Chpt 10 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- These, however, had no worse effect than causing her to rub her nose very hard, and then fall asleep again.
Chpt 12 (definition 1)
- He appeared well used to it, however; for he coiled himself up in a corner very quietly, without uttering a sound, and winking his very ill-looking eyes twenty times in a minute, appeared to occupy himself in taking a survey of the apartment.†
Chpt 13 (definition 1)
- It is not necessary to make any guesses on the subject, however; for the sudden entrance of the two young ladies whom Oliver had seen on a former occasion, caused the conversation to flow afresh.†
Chpt 13 (definition 1)
- His expectations were disappointed, however, for the picture had been removed.
Chpt 14 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- He was obviously very ill at ease, however.†
Chpt 15 (definition 1)
- As they produced no visible effect on the object against whom they were discharged, however, he resorted to more tangible arguments.
Chpt 16 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- It was too late to do it now, however; so he shook his head gravely, and, pocketing the five guineas, withdrew.†
Chpt 17 (definition 1)
- Oliver was but too glad to make himself useful; too happy to have some faces, however bad, to look upon; too desirous to conciliate those about him when he could honestly do so; to throw any objection in the way of this proposal.
Chpt 18 (definition 2) *however = to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
- But, however,' said the beadle, stopping to unpack his bundle, 'these are official secrets, ma'am; not to be spoken of; except, as I may say, among the porochial officers, such as ourselves.
Chpt 23 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- Mr. Bumble, having spread a handkerchief over his knees to prevent the crumbs from sullying the splendour of his shorts, began to eat and drink; varying these amusements, occasionally, by fetching a deep sigh; which, however, had no injurious effect upon his appetite, but, on the contrary, rather seemed to facilitate his operations in the tea and toast department.
Chpt 23 (definition 1)
- …some prudent readers will doubtless be disposed to admire, and to consider an act of great heroism on Mr. Bumble's part: he being in some sort tempted by time, place, and opportunity, to give utterance to certain soft nothings, which however well they may become the lips of the light and thoughtless, do seem immeasurably beneath the dignity of judges of the land, members of parliament, ministers of state, lord mayors, and other great public functionaries, but more particularly…
Chpt 23 (definition 2)however = regardless of how
- Whatever were Mr. Bumble's intentions, however (and no doubt they were of the best): it unfortunately happened, as has been twice before remarked, that the table was a round one; consequently Mr. Bumble, moving his chair by little and little, soon began to diminish the distance between himself and the matron; and, continuing to travel round the outer edge of the circle, brought his chair, in time, close to that in which the matron was seated.†
Chpt 23 (definition 1)
- By degrees, however, as some of it cleared away through the open door, an assemblage of heads, as confused as the noises that greeted the ear, might be made out; and as the eye grew more accustomed to the scene, the spectator gradually became aware of the presence of a numerous company, male and female, crowded round a long table: at the upper end of which, sat a chairman with a hammer of office in his hand; while a professional gentleman with a bluish nose, and his face tied up for…
Chpt 26 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- 'No, no,' said the Jew, hastily; as though, however desirous he might be to see the person in question, he was nevertheless relieved by his absence.†
Chpt 26 (definition 1)
- It blew from the right quarter for the Jew, however, and straight before it he went: trembling, and shivering, as every fresh gust drove him rudely on his way.
Chpt 26 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- He declined any renewal of the conversation, however, for that night: suddenly remembering that it was past one o'clock.
Chpt 26 (definition 1)
- However, he had made off with the blunt; and, consequently, the name of Mr. Chickweed, licensed witler, appeared in the Gazette among the other bankrupts; and all manner of benefits and subscriptions, and I don't know what all, was got up for the poor man, who was in a wery low state of mind about his loss, and went up and down the streets, for three or four days, a pulling his hair off in such a desperate manner that many people was afraid he might be going to make away with himself.
Chpt 31 (definition 1)
- Upon no one, however, did it make a greater impression than on Mr. Giles himself; who, after labouring, for some hours, under the fear of having mortally wounded a fellow-creature, eagerly caught at this new idea, and favoured it to the utmost.
Chpt 31 (definition 1)
- The suspicious circumstances, however, resolving themselves, on investigation, into the one fact, that they had been discovered sleeping under a haystack; which, although a great crime, is only punishable by imprisonment, and is, in the merciful eye of the English law, and its comprehensive love of all the King's subjects, held to be no satisfactory proof, in the absence of all other evidence, that the sleeper, or sleepers, have committed burglary accompanied with violence, and have…
Chpt 31 (definition 1)
- …and how ardently he hoped that when he grew strong and well again, he could do something to show his gratitude; only something, which would let them see the love and duty with which his breast was full; something, however slight, which would prove to them that their gentle kindness had not been cast away; but that the poor boy whom their charity had rescued from misery, or death, was eager to serve them with his whole heart and soul.
Chpt 32 (definition 2)however = regardless of how
- Before he could shut the door, however, the doctor had passed into the parlour, without a word of parley.
Chpt 32 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- He soon came round again, however; and finding that Oliver's replies to his questions, were still as straightforward and consistent, and still delivered with as much apparent sincerity and truth, as they had ever been, he made up his mind to attach full credence to them, from that time forth.†
Chpt 32 (definition 1)
- The circumstance occasioned no alteration, however, in the behaviour of his benefactors.
Chpt 32 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- The circumstance did not dwell in his recollection long, however: for when he reached the cottage, there was enough to occupy his mind, and to drive all considerations of self completely from his memory.†
Chpt 33 (definition 1)
- Above stairs, the remainder of the evening passed cheerfully away; for the doctor was in high spirits; and however fatigued or thoughtful Harry Maylie might have been at first, he was not proof against the worthy gentleman's good humour, which displayed itself in a great variety of sallies and professional recollections, and an abundance of small jokes, which struck Oliver as being the drollest things he had ever heard, and caused him to laugh proportionately; to the evident…†
Chpt 34 (definition 1)
- It so happened, however: as it will happen very often, when men fall into company under such circumstances: that Mr. Bumble felt, every now and then, a powerful inducement, which he could not resist, to steal a look at the stranger: and that whenever he did so, he withdrew his eyes, in some confusion, to find that the stranger was at that moment stealing a look at him.†
Chpt 37 (definition 1)
- The husband carried a lantern, from which, however, no light yet shone; and trudged on, a few paces in front, as though—the way being dirty—to give his wife the benefit of treading in his heavy footprints.
Chpt 38 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- Nancy's appearance gave a new turn to the conversation; for the boys, receiving a sly wink from the wary old Jew, began to ply her with liquor: of which, however, she took very sparingly; while Fagin, assuming an unusual flow of spirits, gradually brought Mr. Sikes into a better temper, by affecting to regard his threats as a little pleasant banter; and, moreover, by laughing very heartily at one or two rough jokes, which, after repeated applications to the spirit-bottle, he…
Chpt 39 (definition 1)
- The Jew, turning round immediately afterwards, she muttered a complaint of the heat: in a tone of languor that contrasted, very remarkably, with the extreme haste and violence of this action: which, however, had been unobserved by Fagin, who had his back towards her at the time.
Chpt 39 (definition 1)
- However, Mr. Fagin seemed to interpret the endeavour as expressing a perfect coincidence with his opinion, and put about the liquor which Barney reappeared with, in a very friendly manner.
Chpt 42 (definition 1)
- 'Why, look'e, young gentleman,' said Toby, 'when a man keeps himself so very ex-clusive as I have done, and by that means has a snug house over his head with nobody a prying and smelling about it, it's rather a startling thing to have the honour of a wisit from a young gentleman (however respectable and pleasant a person he may be to play cards with at conweniency) circumstanced as you are.'†
Chpt 50 (definition 1)
- The contest, however, was too unequal to last long.
Chpt 50 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- She didn't quite rely, however, on their discontent and poverty for the child's unhappiness, but told the history of the sister's shame, with such alterations as suited her; bade them take good heed of the child, for she came of bad blood; and told them she was illegitimate, and sure to go wrong at one time or other.
Chpt 51 (definition 1)
Definitions:
-
(1) (however as in: However, complications may...) though (or another expression that connects contrasting ideas)
(Based on idea 1 we might not expect idea 2, but this is a way of saying that even though idea 1 exists, we still have idea 2. Synonyms include in spite of that, despite that, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrastand but.)
-
(2) (however as in: However much she tried...) to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)