Our chief end is to be freed from all, if it may be, however from
the greatest evils.
Tillotson.
How*ev"er, conj. Nevertheless; notwithstanding; yet; still; though; as,
I shall not oppose your design; I can not, however, approve of it.
In your excuse your love does little say; You might howe'er have
took a better way.
Dryden.
Syn. -- However, At least, Nevertheless, Yet. These words, as here
compared, have an adversative sense in reference to something referred
to in the context. However is the most general, and leads to a final
conclusion or decision. Thus we say, the truth, however, has not yet
fully come out; i.e., such is the speaker's conclusion in view of the
whole case. So also we say, however, you may rely on my assistance to
that amount; i. e., at all events, whatever may happen, this is my
final decision. At least is adversative in another way. It points out
the utmost concession that can possibly be required, and still marks
the adversative conclusion; as, at least, this must be done; whatever
may be our love of peace, we must at least maintain the rights of
conscience. Nevertheless denotes that though the concession be fully
made, it has no bearing of the question; as, nevertheless, we must go
forward. Yet signifies that however extreme the supposition or fact
comceded may be, the consequence which might naturally be expected does
not and will not follow; as, though I should die with thee, yet will I
not deny thee; though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. Cf. But.