All 10 Uses of
however
in
The Princess Bride
- But since no one in Guilder could know yet what we've done, and no one in Florin could have gotten here so quickly, he is definitely not, however much it may look like it, following us.
p. 110.6 *however = regardless of how
- They are nothing but water hogs, however, and present very little danger.†
p. 213.6however = a word used to connect contrasting ideas as when using though, in spite of that, in contrast, nevertheless, etc.
- There was, however, a second group of criminals, those who realized that capture meant, for various past performances, death, and these, without exception, resisted.†
p. 264.8 *
- Probably you just collapse and need tending for a year or however long it takes to get your strength back.†
p. 329.9however long = whatever length of time
- However"—and here he clubbed Inigo's head with the butt of his sword—"since I can't have you following me either, please understand that I hold you in the highest respect."†
p. 152.2
- However, has it occurred to you that if you did that, then neither of us would get what we want—you having lost your ransom item, me my life.†
p. 174.8
- However, it should be noted, in fairness to all, that (1) he did weep; (2) her eyes did not remain precisely dry; (3) there was more than one embrace; and (4) both parties admitted that, without any qualifications whatsoever, they were more than a little glad to see each other.†
p. 196.0
- (a) I need to reach Count Rugen to at last avenge my father; (b) I cannot plan on how to reach Count Rugen; (c) Vizzini could have planned it for me but, (c prime) Vizzini is unavailable; however, the man in black outplanned Vizzini, so, therefore, the man in black can get me to Count Rugen.†
p. 276.5
- (a) Prince Humperdinck had some plans to kill his fiancée and hired us to carry them out but (b) the man in black ruined Prince Humperdinck's plans; however, eventually, (c) Prince Humperdinck managed to capture the man in black, and, as everybody in all Florin City also knows, Prince Humperdinck has a terrible temper, so, therefore, (d) if a man has a terrible temper, what could be more fun than losing it against the very fellow who spoiled your plans to kill your fiancée?†
p. 276.7
- However, this was before Inigo's wound reopened, and Westley relapsed again, and Fezzik took the wrong turn, and Buttercup's horse threw a shoe.†
p. 357.4
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
-
(4)
(meaning too rare to warrant focus) meaning too rare to warrant focus:
Much more rarely (and arguably incorrectly), however can be used to intensify the word how, as when one says "However did you find her?" Grammarians would suggest using two words for that usage: "How ever did you find her?"