- how
- [[t]haʊ[/t]]adv.1) in what way or manner; by what means?:How did the fire start?[/ex]2) to what extent, degree, etc.?:How difficult was the test?[/ex]3) in what state or condition?:How is the baby?[/ex]4) for what reason; why?:How can you talk such nonsense?[/ex]5) to what effect; with what meaning?:How is one to interpret such actions?[/ex]6) cvb at what amount or rate or in what measure or quantity?:How much is this? How are these tomatoes sold?[/ex]7) what?:How do you mean?[/ex]8) (used as an intensifier):How seldom I go there![/ex]9) by what title or name?:How does one address the president?[/ex]10) cvb in what form or shape?:How does the demon appear in the first act?[/ex]11) the manner or way in which:I couldn't figure out how to solve the problem[/ex]12) about the manner or condition in which:Be careful how you act[/ex]13) in whatever manner or way; however:You can dress how you please[/ex]14) inf Informal. that:She told us how he was honest and could be trusted[/ex]15) a question concerning the way or manner in which something is done, achieved, etc.:a child's unending whys and hows[/ex]16) a way or manner of doing something:to consider all the hows and wherefores[/ex]•Etymology: bef. 900; ME how, hu, OE hū, c. OFris hū, ho, OS (h)wō; akin to OHG hweo, Go hwaiwa
From formal English to slang. 2014.