adv.
- used to introduce a statement contrasting with a previous one.
- in whatever way.
▸to whatever extent.
Usage
The adverb however is always written as one word, but if ever is used for emphasis after how it should be written as a separate word (how ever did you manage?). However, with other words such as what, where, and who, the situation is not clear-cut: both two-word and one-word forms (e.g. what ever and whatever) are regarded as equally acceptable.