adv.
- In what manner or way; by what means: How does this machine work?
- In what state or condition: How is she today?
- To what extent, amount, or degree: How bad was it?
- For what reason or purpose; why: How is it that he left early?
- With what meaning: How should I take that remark?
- By what name: How is she called?
- By what measure; in what units: How do you sell this corn?
- What. Usually used in requesting that something be said again: How's that again?
- Used as an intensive: How we laughed!
- The manner or way in which: forgot how it was done.
- That.
- In whatever way or manner; however: Cook it how you please.
A manner or method of doing something: "The how of research is generated by the why of the world" (Frederick Turner).
idioms:
and how Informal.
- Most certainly; you bet: She's a good dancer, and how!
- What is your thought, feeling, or desire regarding: How about a cup of tea? How about that storm last night?
- Used rhetorically to express surprise or wonder at or approval for something.
- How is it that; why: How come you're so late?
- How is it so: You say the answer is wrong. How so?
[Middle English howe, from Old English hū.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
