despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)
"although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it"
"while we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed"
"he was a stern yet fair master"
"granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go"
to whatever degree or extent
"The results, however general, are important"
"they have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the opposition's concerns"
in whatever way or manner
"Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet"
"however he did it, it was very clever"
Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of (that).
"The weather was terrible, however we decided to go hiking anyway."
In plain English: However is used to show that something you just said is different from what comes next.
"The weather was perfect for a picnic, however we ended up staying inside because it started to rain."
In whatever way or manner.
"The project was approved however it could be completed within the budget."
However comes from Middle English as a combination of the words "how" and "ever." It originally functioned to mean "in whatever way."