All 50 Uses of
however
in
Jane Eyre
- There were moments when I was bewildered by the terror he inspired, because I had no appeal whatever against either his menaces or his inflictions; the servants did not like to offend their young master by taking my part against him, and Mrs. Reed was blind and deaf on the subject: she never saw him strike or heard him abuse me, though he did both now and then in her very presence, more frequently, however, behind her back.
Chpt 1 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- I did so, not at first aware what was his intention; but when I saw him lift and poise the book and stand in act to hurl it, I instinctively started aside with a cry of alarm: not soon enough, however; the volume was flung, it hit me, and I fell, striking my head against the door and cutting it.†
Chpt 1 (definition 1)
- Fearful, however, of losing this first and only opportunity of relieving my grief by imparting it, I, after a disturbed pause, contrived to frame a meagre, though, as far as it went, true response.
Chpt 3 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- It tarried, however: days and weeks passed: I had regained my normal state of health, but no new allusion was made to the subject over which I brooded.†
Chpt 4 (definition 1)
- Not a hint, however, did she drop about sending me to school: still I felt an instinctive certainty that she would not long endure me under the same roof with her; for her glance, now more than ever, when turned on me, expressed an insuperable and rooted aversion.
Chpt 4 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- Well might I dread, well might I dislike Mrs. Reed; for it was her nature to wound me cruelly; never was I happy in her presence; however carefully I obeyed, however strenuously I strove to please her, my efforts were still repulsed and repaid by such sentences as the above.
Chpt 4 (definition 2)however = regardless of how
- Well might I dread, well might I dislike Mrs. Reed; for it was her nature to wound me cruelly; never was I happy in her presence; however carefully I obeyed, however strenuously I strove to please her, my efforts were still repulsed and repaid by such sentences as the above.
Chpt 4 (definition 2)
- "Deceit is, indeed, a sad fault in a child," said Mr. Brocklehurst; "it is akin to falsehood, and all liars will have their portion in the lake burning with fire and brimstone; she shall, however, be watched, Mrs. Reed."
Chpt 4 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- When it came to my turn, I drank, for I was thirsty, but did not touch the food, excitement and fatigue rendering me incapable of eating: I now saw, however, that it was a thin oaten cake shaved into fragments.
Chpt 5 (definition 1)however = though (used to connect contrasting ideas)
- The refectory was a great, low-ceiled, gloomy room; on two long tables smoked basins of something hot, which, however, to my dismay, sent forth an odour far from inviting.
Chpt 5 (definition 1)
- Miss Temple passed her handkerchief over her lips, as if to smooth away the involuntary smile that curled them; she gave the order, however, and when the first class could take in what was required of them, they obeyed.
Chpt 7 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- How fragrant was the steam of the beverage, and the scent of the toast! of which, however, I, to my dismay (for I was beginning to be hungry) discerned only a very small portion: Miss Temple discerned it too.
Chpt 8 (definition 1)
- While I tried to devour my tears, a fit of coughing seized Helen; it did not, however, wake the nurse; when it was over, she lay some minutes exhausted; then she whispered — "Jane, your little feet are bare; lie down and cover yourself with my quilt."
Chpt 9 (definition 1)
- The succeeding week seemed long: it came to an end at last, however, like all sublunary things, and once more, towards the close of a pleasant autumn day, I found myself afoot on the road to Lowton.
Chpt 10 (definition 1)
- Even when we finally retired for the night, the inevitable Miss Gryce was still my companion: we had only a short end of candle in our candlestick, and I dreaded lest she should talk till it was all burnt out; fortunately, however, the heavy supper she had eaten produced a soporific effect: she was already snoring before I had finished undressing.
Chpt 10 (definition 1)
- "Will you walk this way, ma'am?" said the girl; and I followed her across a square hall with high doors all round: she ushered me into a room whose double illumination of fire and candle at first dazzled me, contrasting as it did with the darkness to which my eyes had been for two hours inured; when I could see, however, a cosy and agreeable picture presented itself to my view.
Chpt 11 (definition 1)
- However, when I had brushed my hair very smooth, and put on my black frock — which, Quakerlike as it was, at least had the merit of fitting to a nicety — and adjusted my clean white tucker, I thought I should do respectably enough to appear before Mrs. Fairfax, and that my new pupil would not at least recoil from me with antipathy.
Chpt 11 (definition 1)
- However, the event showed me I was a fool for entertaining a sense even of surprise.
Chpt 11 (definition 1)
- It was exactly one form of Bessie's Gytrash — a lion-like creature with long hair and a huge head: it passed me, however, quietly enough; not staying to look up, with strange pretercanine eyes, in my face, as I half expected it would.
Chpt 12 (definition 1)
- I think he was swearing, but am not certain; however, he was pronouncing some formula which prevented him from replying to me directly.†
Chpt 12 (definition 1)
- This additional ceremony seemed somewhat stately; however, I repaired to my room, and, with Mrs. Fairfax's aid, replaced my black stuff dress by one of black silk; the best and the only additional one I had, except one of light grey, which, in my Lowood notions of the toilette, I thought too fine to be worn, except on first-rate occasions.†
Chpt 13 (definition 1)
- However, I mentally shake hands with you for your answer, despite its inaccuracy; and as much for the manner in which it was said, as for the substance of the speech; the manner was frank and sincere; one does not often see such a manner: no, on the contrary, affectation, or coldness, or stupid, coarse-minded misapprehension of one's meaning are the usual rewards of candour.
Chpt 14 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- However, my tenderest feelings are about to receive a shock: such is my presentiment; stay now, to see whether it will be realised.
Chpt 14 (definition 1)
- My Spring is gone, however, but it has left me that French floweret on my hands, which, in some moods, I would fain be rid of.
Chpt 14 (definition 1)
- A woman who could betray me for such a rival was not worth contending for; she deserved only scorn; less, however, than I, who had been her dupe.
Chpt 15 (definition 1)
- However, to please her, I allowed Sophie to apparel her in one of her short, full muslin frocks.
Chpt 17 (definition 1)
- It was not, however, so saturnine a pride! she laughed continually; her laugh was satirical, and so was the habitual expression of her arched and haughty lip.
Chpt 17 (definition 1)
- She stirred the fire, so that a ripple of light broke from the disturbed coal: the glare, however, as she sat, only threw her face into deeper shadow: mine, it illumined.
Chpt 19 (definition 1)
- Not, however, to go to bed: on the contrary, I began and dressed myself carefully.
Chpt 20 (definition 1)
- I must keep to my post, however.†
Chpt 20 (definition 1)
- Yes, it makes me impatient to hear you: but, however, you have suffered, and are likely to suffer enough for not taking my advice; so I'll say no more.
Chpt 20 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- I, supposing he had done with me, prepared to return to the house; again, however, I heard him call "Jane!"
Chpt 20 (definition 1)
- Mr. Rochester took it, leaving room, however, for me: but I stood before him.
Chpt 20 (definition 1)
- The west wind whispered in the ivy round me; but no gentle Ariel borrowed its breath as a medium of speech: the birds sang in the tree-tops; but their song, however sweet, was inarticulate.
Chpt 20 (definition 2)however = regardless of how
- It was only yesterday morning, however, that Bessie understood she was pronouncing your name; and at last she made out the words, 'Bring Jane — fetch Jane Eyre: I want to speak to her.'
Chpt 21 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- It required some courage to disturb so interesting a party; my errand, however, was one I could not defer, so I approached the master where he stood at Miss Ingram's side.
Chpt 21 (definition 1)
- A sneer, however, whether covert or open, had now no longer that power over me it once possessed: as I sat between my cousins, I was surprised to find how easy I felt under the total neglect of the one and the semi-sarcastic attentions of the other — Eliza did not mortify, nor Georgiana ruffle me.
Chpt 21 (definition 1)
- She, however, did not die: but I said she did — I wish she had died!
Chpt 21 (definition 1)
- One day, however, as she put away her account-book and unfolded her embroidery, she suddenly took her up thus — "Georgiana, a more vain and absurd animal than you was certainly never allowed to cumber the earth."
Chpt 21 (definition 1)
- Neglect it — go on as heretofore, craving, whining, and idling — and suffer the results of your idiocy, however bad and insuperable they may be.
Chpt 21 (definition 2) *however = to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
- However, it is not my business, and so it suits you, I don't much care.
Chpt 22 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- I did not cry so as to be heard, however; I avoided sobbing.
Chpt 23 (definition 3) *however = in whatever way
- He pursued his theme, however, without noticing my deprecation.
Chpt 24 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- However, had they been married, they would no doubt by their severity as husbands have made up for their softness as suitors; and so will you, I fear.
Chpt 24 (definition 1)
- By dint of entreaties expressed in energetic whispers, I reduced the half-dozen to two: these however, he vowed he would select himself.†
Chpt 24 (definition 1)
- I sought the orchard, driven to its shelter by the wind, which all day had blown strong and full from the south, without, however, bringing a speck of rain.
Chpt 25 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- The cloven halves were not broken from each other, for the firm base and strong roots kept them unsundered below; though community of vitality was destroyed — the sap could flow no more: their great boughs on each side were dead, and next winter's tempests would be sure to fell one or both to earth: as yet, however, they might be said to form one tree — a ruin, but an entire ruin.
Chpt 25 (definition 1)
- Wrapped up in a shawl, I still carried the unknown little child: I might not lay it down anywhere, however tired were my arms — however much its weight impeded my progress, I must retain it.
Chpt 25 (definition 2)however = regardless of how
- Wrapped up in a shawl, I still carried the unknown little child: I might not lay it down anywhere, however tired were my arms — however much its weight impeded my progress, I must retain it.
Chpt 25 (definition 2)
- — I meant, however, to be a bigamist; but fate has outmanoeuvred me, or Providence has checked me, — perhaps the last.
Chpt 26 (definition 1)however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
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)
-
(3) (however as in: However you do it, get it done!) in whatever way