how

how · adverb/conjunction

imported

Definitions

adverb/conjunction

  1. 1.

    In what manner or way; by what means.

  2. 2.

    To what extent, degree, or amount.

  3. 3.

    In what state or condition.

  4. 4.

    Used to express surprise, emphasis, or strong emotion.

  5. 5.

    The way in which; that.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    how come — why; for what reason
  • •
    how about — used to make a suggestion or inquiry
  • •
    how so — in what way; why do you say that
  • •
    how dare you — an expression of indignation
  • •
    how do you do — a formal greeting
  • •
    how's it going — an informal greeting asking about well-being

Related words

See also: what, when, where, why
Synonyms: by what means, in what way, to what extent

Etymology

From Old English hū ("how, in what way"), from Proto-Germanic hwō. Cognate with Dutch hoe, German wie, and related to who, what, and which.