First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1how
adverb \ˈhau̇\
: in what manner or way : by what means
: for what reason
: to what degree, extent, or amount
Full Definition of HOW
1
a : in what manner or way b : for what reason : why c : with what meaning : to what effect d : by what name or title
2
: to what degree or extent
3
: in what state or condition <how are you>
4
: at what price <how a score of ewes now — Shakespeare>
— how about
: what do you say to or think of <how about it, are you going?>
— how come
: how does it happen that : why
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Origin of HOW
Middle English, from Old English hū; akin to Old High German hwuo how, Old English hwā who — more at who
2how
conjunction
: in what manner or way
: in whatever way
Full Definition of HOW
1
a : the way or manner in which <remember how they fought>; also : the state or condition in which b : that <told them how he had a situation — Charles Dickens>
See how defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of HOW
before 12th century
3how
noun
Definition of HOW
1
: a question about manner or method
First Known Use of HOW
1533
HOW Defined for Kids
1how
adverb \ˈhau̇\
Definition of HOW for Kids
1
: in what way : by what means <How do you work this thing?> <How did they get here?>
2
: for what reason <How can you treat me so badly?>
3
: to what degree, number, or amount <How cold is it?>
2how
conjunction
Definition of HOW for Kids
: in what manner or condition <We're studying how plants grow.> <I asked them how they were.>
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