3 meanings, 153 uses
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1 —135 uses as in:
However, complications may...
Definition
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,, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, in contrastand but.)
(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,
- In time, however, Eragon's heart slowed, and his tears dried, and a measure of peace stole over him as he gazed out at the empty plain.78 — Leave-Taking (97% in)
Other Uses (with this meaning)
- The clanmeet continued, however, and Orik was chosen to succeed his uncle.Prelude — In the Beginning (83% in)
- Eragon stopped himself, however, when Blodhgarm appeared, leaping over Saphira's left foreleg.1 — Into the Breach (51% in)
- Grimrr Halfpaw, however, looked unlike any person or creature Eragon had ever seen.4 — King Cat (23% in)
- The werecats, however, did not react, except to tilt their ears backward in annoyance at the noise.4 — King Cat (99% in)
- After a few mouthfuls of bread, however, his appetite returned, and he began to consume the stew with eagerness.7 — What Is a Man (28% in)
- However, if he had not been the king of Surda, and if he had not posed such a great threat to her position and to the Varden's independence, she knew that she would never have considered a match with him.8 — The Price of Power (22% in)
- The one they now confronted, however, had caught her completely by surprise.8 — The Price of Power (64% in)
- Those they knew of, however, had to be kept under lock and key, lest they try to subvert the Varden.8 — The Price of Power (70% in)
- However, it was more important to shore up Orrin's confidence than to commiserate with him, for if his resolve weakened, it would interfere with his duties and undermine the morale of his men.8 — The Price of Power (96% in)
- Her most striking feature, however, was the wide gap that extended from her left nostril to the middle of her upper lip.9 — Rudely into the Light (82% in)
- However, I would ask that you wear your helm while we spar.12 — Dancing with Swords (24% in)
- His pleasure, however, vanished when Wyrden landed four touches in quick succession: one on Eragon's right shoulder, two on his ribs, and a wicked draw cut across his abdomen.12 — Dancing with Swords (41% in)
- However, Glaedr steadfastly ignored them, taking no more notice of them than a sleeping cave bear might of a few flies buzzing around his head.12 — Dancing with Swords (86% in)
- If the magician seemed too tired, however, Roran would refrain from having his own blisters healed; he would rather endure the pain than allow Carn to expend all of his strength before they arrived at Aroughs, for Roran suspected that Carn's skills might very well prove useful in capturing the city.13 — No Honor, No Glory, Only.... (78% in)
- However, he still was not her equal, much less her better.14 — Mooneater (10% in)
- However"—and here Angela leaned forward and lowered her voice—"if you travel through those parts, as I have .... sometimes, even to this day, you will come acrossa freshly killed deer or Feldunost that looks as if it has been nibbled at, like a turnip.14 — Mooneater (29% in)
- However, Shadowhunter seemed displeased, for she dug her claws into Eragon's legs, making him wince.14 — Mooneater (90% in)
- Eragon refused to give up, however.15 — Rumors and Writing (95% in)
- However, he had no experience with military strategy, and he provided us with an overly confident assessment of Aroughs's weaknesses.16 — Aroughs (34% in)
- However, he had hoped that the city folk would be too cowed by the recent assaults on their walls to attempt anything so daring—and that the warriors he had kept with him would be sufficient to convince any distant observers that the main body of his force was still stationed among the tents.18 — A Toss of the Bones (6% in)
- However, he dared not turn his head to look.18 — A Toss of the Bones (52% in)
- It was only a hundred ninety-three, however, and I was well guarded by my own men while I fought.18 — A Toss of the Bones (57% in)
- The most disturbing feature of the cut, however, was the complete lack of blood; not so much as a single drop oozed out of the incision.19 — My Friend, My Enemy (62% in)
- However, Brigman had begged to be allowed to join the final attack on Aroughs, andRoran had reluctantly agreed; Brigman was handy with a blade, and every sword would make a difference in the upcoming fight.20 — A Flour Made of Flame (12% in)
- Above the prow of the vessel, however, jagged spars of wood stuck out from the remnants of the gate at the same height as a man's chest, neck, or head.20 — A Flour Made of Flame (64% in)
- The maneuver left Roran wholly exposed, however, and as he returned his attention to the five soldiers who remained on the walkway, he saw three of them aiming straight at his heart.20 — A Flour Made of Flame (82% in)
- Before they had gone more than a hundred feet, however, they turned a corner and ran headlong into a group of four soldiers.21 — Dust and Ashes (9% in)
- To the left of the gate, however, a small sally port stood wide open.21 — Dust and Ashes (13% in)
- Five feet from the hook-nosed man, however, every single shaft shattered and dropped to the ground, as if they had run headlong into a wall of stone.21 — Dust and Ashes (39% in)
- However, Roran's wariness cooled his lust for vengeance and caused him to slow to a stop not five feet from the magician.21 — Dust and Ashes (54% in)
- On edge, however, the blade was almost impossible for him to see, and he timed his parry badly and missed the sword with his hammer.21 — Dust and Ashes (67% in)
- However, when we marched for the Burning Plains, King Orrin brought with him every spellcaster of note from Surda, which means that whoever Alarice sends will most likely have no other skill with magic besides the ability to hear others' thoughts.22 — Interregnum (55% in)
- Then, in a more relaxed tone, she said, "However, your point is well taken.22 — Interregnum (77% in)
- He did not entirely succeed, however, and a faint air of disappointment emanated from Glaedr.24 — The Way of Knowing (27% in)
- However, Galbatorix has given them too many Eldunari for me to do that.25 — A Heart-to-Heart (23% in)
- When Saphira was allied with Arya, however, the two of them so outstripped Eragon that he gave up any attempt at offense and, instead, retreated deepinside himself, curling into a tight ball like a wounded animal while he recited scraps of verse and waited for the waves of mental energy they hurled at him to subside.25 — A Heart-to-Heart (55% in)
- However, it is impossible for you to learn what you need to learn in a matter of days or weeks.25 — A Heart-to-Heart (61% in)
- However, if every waking moment is a torment to him, then won't it be better for him to seek release?25 — A Heart-to-Heart (75% in)
- Roran made no objection or complaint, however, but bowed and said in his rough voice, "As you wish, Lady Nasuada."26 — Discovery (90% in)
- However, a few pages later, Yardley says ....27 — Decisions (12% in)
- However, I suppose she is more than capable of protecting herself.27 — Decisions (89% in)
- However, you are not as helpless as you once were.27 — Decisions (97% in)
- Still more men were forcing their way into the room, however.28 — Under Hill and Stone (80% in)
- She rallied quickly, however.28 — Under Hill and Stone (92% in)
- Saphira's egg had been smooth, however, and veined like marble.29 — To Feed a God (50% in)
- The iron cuffs were too tight, however, and all he succeeded in doing was scraping more of the skin off his wrists.29 — To Feed a God (94% in)
- However, the muscles underneath appeared sound.30 — Infidels on the Loose (20% in)
- He had only covered a few feet, however, when a flicker of movement appeared next to each man: a soft, shadowy blur, like the motion of a windblown pennant seen at the edge of his vision.30 — Infidels on the Loose (42% in)
- The other, however, had time to do both before Solembum leaped on him and bore him to the ground, tearing at his face, and the whole of the passageway rang with the clamor.30 — Infidels on the Loose (53% in)
- It was difficult to defend himself from so many foes, however, and he feared that he would not be able to maintain his barriers for long.30 — Infidels on the Loose (65% in)
- The priest lacked discipline, however, and his concentration soon wavered as he thought, The infidels are too close to Master.30 — Infidels on the Loose (69% in)
- Six of the priests, however, neither fled nor hid, but rather charged Eragon, brandishing curved knives with what hands they still possessed.30 — Infidels on the Loose (73% in)
- She refused to budge, however, and after a few more passes, he tired of harrying her and landed on the other end of the black-shrike-thorn-cave, his huge wings outstretched for balance.32 — Black-Shrike-Thorn-Cave (42% in)
- However, minutes could be like hours during a battle, and Eragon was acutely aware of how fast the balance of power could change.34 — And the Walls Fell.... (11% in)
- What that distraction should be, however, eluded him.34 — And the Walls Fell.... (24% in)
- Saphira, however, was already wounded in several places, and she was hard-pressed to keep Thorn from attacking the rest of the camp.36 — The Word of a Rider (65% in)
- However, his connection with Glaedr was growing tenuous and Eragon could not hope to best Thorn and Murtagh alone and high above the ground, not when Murtagh had dozens or more Eldunari at his disposal.36 — The Word of a Rider (91% in)
- However, the Varden has always worked in concert with its allies—with the men of Surda; with our royal friend King Orik and the dwarves of the Beor Mountains; with the elves; and now, more recently, with the Urgals, as led by Nar Garzhvog, and with the werecats.37 — Conclave of Kings (43% in)
- My foremost concern, however, is defeating Galbatorix and the Empire.37 — Conclave of Kings (54% in)
- However, if the combined spellcasters of our five races can't kill him, then we might as well accept that Galbatorix is going to rule as long as he pleases, and nothing we can do is going to change that.37 — Conclave of Kings (91% in)
- In time, however, his body began to relax, and almost without his realizing it, the shifting, rainbow visions of his waking dreams crept over him.38 — A Maze Without End (41% in)
- If he tried, however, he could end up costing the Varden the war.38 — A Maze Without End (70% in)
- However, he still had no idea where or what the Rock of Kuthian or the Vault of Souls were.38 — A Maze Without End (97% in)
- The most notable feature of Doru Araeba, however, was its enormous scale.39 — Fragments, Half Seen and Indistinct (81% in)
- However, the name is enchanted.40 — Questions Unanswered (57% in)
- She had little choice in the matter, however.42 — The Torment of Uncertainty (29% in)
- For all her efforts, however, she could not stop or slow the man.42 — The Torment of Uncertainty (53% in)
- However, the platter proved too far away, and the man was too heavy for her to drag toward it without alerting him to her intentions.42 — The Torment of Uncertainty (80% in)
- However, I will be here to hold your hand and help you through this transition.43 — The Hall of the Soothsayer (48% in)
- However, neither of these traits will be of help to you now.43 — The Hall of the Soothsayer (71% in)
- However, being alone with Saphira—and Glaedr, although the golden dragon had kept to himself since their departure—helped Eragon regain a sense of normalcy.44 — On the Wings of a Dragon (5% in)
- However, it seems reasonable to assume that the spirits know more than we about both the material and the immaterial, considering that they are the embodiment of the second and that they occupy the first when in the form of a Shade.44 — On the Wings of a Dragon (63% in)
- However, you are sorely mistaken if you think to slip your bonds.45 — The Sound of His Voice, the Touch of His Hand (14% in)
- They were, however, insufficient to the task, as are my own spellcasters, the Black Hand.45 — The Sound of His Voice, the Touch of His Hand (43% in)
- However, spellcasters are a threat to the proper functioning of this realm, and that I shall not tolerate.45 — The Sound of His Voice, the Touch of His Hand (53% in)
- However, through Murtagh, Galbatorix had made her suffer for her insolence, and she had soon lost her taste for open rebellion.45 — The Sound of His Voice, the Touch of His Hand (77% in)
- However, there's no need to go through its very heart.47 — A Crown of Ice and Snow (5% in)
- However, when the next burst of lightning came, the shape was gone, and he wondered whether the shadows had played a trick upon him.47 — A Crown of Ice and Snow (60% in)
- I would not, however, wish to exchange places with you.48 — Burrow Grubs (29% in)
- However, you are mistaken to include the snails among their ranks.50 — Snalgi for Two (87% in)
- The true test of your self-control, however, is whether you can remain calm in a trying situation.53 — A Question of Character (27% in)
- However, he could no longer afford to indulge in such self-deception.53 — A Question of Character (39% in)
- I would not say it again, however, not even to yourself, until we are at the .... at the spire we have come to see.53 — A Question of Character (49% in)
- However, as he pondered the prospect, he slowly realized that it no longer appealed to him.53 — A Question of Character (87% in)
- He kept his sword out, however, something of which Eragon remained constantly aware.56 — Lacuna, Part the Second (10% in)
- In this instance, however, where magic fails, distance may yet succeed.56 — Lacuna, Part the Second (23% in)
- However, we had agreed that he was not to act unless it was obvious that defeat was unavoidable.56 — Lacuna, Part the Second (35% in)
- What interested him most, however, was not the wall or the buildings, but the fact that much of the city lay shadowed underneath a huge stone shelf, which must have been over half a mile wide and five hundred feet thick at its narrowest.58 — The City of Sorrows (10% in)
- Barst, however, was not only ruthless but strong—impressively strong—and cunning to boot.58 — The City of Sorrows (36% in)
- The idea made him sick to consider,however.58 — The City of Sorrows (47% in)
- When Jormundur rode off, however, and Arya still lingered nearby, he realized that she wanted to talk to them alone.60 — A Matter of Duty (51% in)
- It won't hide you completely, however.61 — Fire in the Night (11% in)
- However, if you and I are both alive and free after tomorrow, there are some things I should tell you which will make your account that much more complete and that much more interesting.61 — Fire in the Night (46% in)
- Now, however, the morning star, Aiedail, had risen in the east—heralding the arrival of dawn's first light—and the time had come to ready themselves for battle.62 — Over the Wall and into the Maw (4% in)
- However, Eragon could tell that they also feared her—even the older ones, such as Valdrfor they had no defense against Elva's power.62 — Over the Wall and into the Maw (9% in)
- However, Eragon knew their confusion would not last long.62 — Over the Wall and into the Maw (27% in)
- However, the magic that imprisoned the elves proved too strong for him to break, and they disappeared within the dark opening, the door slamming shut behind them.64 — That Which Does Not Kill.... (78% in)
- However, as Roran took his place along with the other men from Carvahall, he discovered that the stone that had struck him had also killed Delwin.65 — The Heart of the Fray (99% in)
- However, no sound came from her mouth, and she looked at Eragon with an expression of alarm.66 — The Name of All Names (10% in)
- However, I hold no enmity toward you.66 — The Name of All Names (40% in)
- The weapon, however, remained fixed to her hand.66 — The Name of All Names (60% in)
- However ....66 — The Name of All Names (93% in)
- However, without a hand, Baldor would face a hard life, and Roran had no desire to condemn him to that.67 — Muscle Against Metal (12% in)
- The supply of soldiers seemed endless, however, and Roran found himself forced backward step by step.67 — Muscle Against Metal (23% in)
- Barst was not looking, however.67 — Muscle Against Metal (40% in)
- Barst noticed, however, and he began to lumber toward Roran.67 — Muscle Against Metal (88% in)
- However, Barst caught the spear with one hand, tore it from Roran's grip, and broke it between his fingers as easily as Roran might break a dry twig.67 — Muscle Against Metal (93% in)
- Galbatorix made no attempt to guard himself, however.68 — The Gift of Knowledge (69% in)
- However, the black dragon was still too large and strong for them to subdue.68 — The Gift of Knowledge (91% in)
- However, I understand that it was Galbatorix who drove you to it and that it was he who swung your arm, Murtagh...... I cannot forgive, but Galbatorix is dead and with him my desire for vengeance.70 — A Sea of Nettles (87% in)
- However, as people learn that Galbatorix has fallen, the first question they shall ask is who has taken his place.71 — Heir to the Empire (37% in)
- However, as your friends and allies, have we not earned the right to offer our advice upon such a weighty matter, especially when it shall affect us all?71 — Heir to the Empire (42% in)
- However, you are correct; Roran lacks the experience needed.71 — Heir to the Empire (57% in)
- "However," said Arya, "as sworn allies of the Varden, I must tell you that we regard any attack on them as an attack on ourselves, and we will respond in kind."71 — Heir to the Empire (66% in)
- He had not inherited Brom's hooked nose, however.72 — A Fitting Epitaph (65% in)
- However, it is the way of things.72 — A Fitting Epitaph (81% in)
- However, he could feel her sides vibrating against his heels as she hummed with satisfaction, and he patted her and laid his chest against her neck, feeling the warmth from her body seeping into his.72 — A Fitting Epitaph (99% in)
- However, by unspoken consent she flew south following the same path as when they had left Palancar Valley.73 — Pieces on a Board (23% in)
- However, the only mentions of the Lethrblaka or the Ra'zac he saw were in worksby the elves and the Riders from ages past, where they discussed the dark menace of the night and wondered what was to be done about a foe that could not be detected with magic of any sort.73 — Pieces on a Board (39% in)
- However, the huge Kull said, "My people agree with this, Lady Nightstalker, but they have thick blood and short memories, and words will not bind them forever."73 — Pieces on a Board (45% in)
- However, it had three drawbacks.73 — Pieces on a Board (53% in)
- However, he knew the elves would not look kindly on the intrusion, and he feared Arya would not appreciate him contacting her in that way without a pressing need.73 — Pieces on a Board (62% in)
- However, I think you will agree with me that it's better to protect the majority of my subjects at the expense of a few."73 — Pieces on a Board (83% in)
- However, the hilt looked different than he remembered, lighter and more graceful, and the sheath appeared narrower.74 — Firnen (19% in)
- Vanir doesn't know, however.74 — Firnen (32% in)
- However, once we reached Du Weldenvarden and passed through its wards, he hatched.74 — Firnen (34% in)
- However, I do not think it is the name you had when you left Palancar Valley.74 — Firnen (85% in)
- However, he had a feeling that she would never be able to bring herself toleave Alagaesia, no matter how old she was.75 — A Man of Conscience (97% in)
- However, raising them elsewhere will be for the best.76 — Blood Price (55% in)
- In the midst of the feast, however, the food and music suddenly became too much for him, and he excused himself from the table where he sat with Arya.77 — Promises, New and Old (73% in)
- Eragon did not leave, however, but began a new spell.77 — Promises, New and Old (90% in)
- It cheered them, however, when Arya and Firnen announced that they would fly with them, at least until the edge of Du Weldenvarden and maybe a bit farther.78 — Leave-Taking (5% in)
- The wind was at their back, however, and it sped their progress considerably.78 — Leave-Taking (33% in)
- However, he was puzzled to see hundreds of dwarves waiting for them at the head of a makeshift pier that extended into the Edda.78 — Leave-Taking (41% in)
There are no more uses of "however" flagged with this meaning in Inheritance.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
2 —6 uses as in:
However much she tried...
Definition
to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
- A successor must be chosen—chosen and named, however difficult that may be.71 — Heir to the Empire (39% in)
however = regardless of how
Other Uses (with this meaning)
- As he reached that conclusion, and Saphira became aware of it, she withdrew from him slightly and said, Tired or not, I can still crush however many soldiers Galbatorix sends against us.10 — A Cradle Song (59% in)
- However long she was willing to keep sparring, so too was he, no matter how much it hurt.24 — The Way of Knowing (98% in)
- Hundreds of tents lay crumpled in the dirt, along with however many men had failed to escape before Saphira and Thorn trampled them.36 — The Word of a Rider (97% in)
- Third—and this is what you have to believe deep in your hearts—Galbatorix isn't invulnerable, however powerful he is.37 — Conclave of Kings (88% in)
- King Orrin grunted and took another swig of his wine, while Arya, Dathedr, and Nasuada seemed to relax, if however slightly.71 — Heir to the Empire (53% in)
however = whatever number of
however = whatever number of
however = regardless of how
however = to whatever degree (regardless of how much; or whatever unspecified amount)
There are no more uses of "however" flagged with this meaning in Inheritance.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
3 —6 uses as in:
However you do it, get it done!
Definition
in whatever way
- I'm a free man, and I'll insult anyone I choose, whenever I choose, however I choose—even you.58 — The City of Sorrows (70% in)
however = in whatever way
Other Uses (with this meaning)
- I will help Elain however I can, that I promise, but do not go in there.9 — Rudely into the Light (38% in)
- Victory is victory and dead is dead, however it is achieved.24 — The Way of Knowing (16% in)
- Some wanted revenge for old hurts; others believed that, by virtue of our power, dragons and Riders deserved to rule over the whole of Alagaesia; and others, I am afraid to say, simply enjoyed the chance to tear down what was and indulge themselves however they wanted.44 — On the Wings of a Dragon (39% in)
- I had to fight back; I had to show him that he hadn't broken me, and I wanted to hurt him however I could.48 — Burrow Grubs (87% in)
- I'll help however I can.67 — Muscle Against Metal (58% in)
however = in whatever way
however = in whatever way
however = in whatever way
There are no more uses of "however" flagged with this meaning in Inheritance.
Typical Usage
(best examples)
? —6 uses
exact meaning not specified
- His were not the only eyes with tears, however; both Nasuada and Jeod wept as they embraced him and offered him and Saphira their good wishes.76 — Blood Price (64% in)
- She missed, however—by a matter of inches—and Eragon watched with horror as the lance sank a yard or more into her chest, just under her collarbone.1 — Into the Breach (49% in)
- It was my intention to have you return as soon as we captured Aroughs—however that was accomplished—but you're in no condition to ride all the way to Dras-Leona.22 — Interregnum (72% in)
- He was sure she did not disregard his abilities, but however conscious she was of his skill and his desire to improve, she had won the overwhelming majority of their matches.24 — The Way of Knowing (83% in)
- By happenstance, they discovered that the vapors rising out of the crack in the stone increased the chances that those who slept near it might catch a glimpse, if however confused, of future events.43 — The Hall of the Soothsayer (39% in)
- And are you willing to live with that knowledge, however unpleasantit might be?51 — The Rock of Kuthian (95% in)
There are no more uses of "however" in Inheritance.
Typical Usage
(best examples)