how

Definition

› in what way or state, to what amount or degree, or for what reason: How do we get to the interstate highway from here? How did you hear about the concert? How is your mother? How did you like the movie? How much does this cost? How old is his daughter? She didn’t say how far it is to her house. How long are you going to be at the gym? › How is sometimes used for emphasis: How nice to see you! How are you? › How are you? is used as a greeting: "Hi, how are you?" "Fine, thanks, how are you?" How are things? (also How’s everything?, How’s it going?) › How are things?,How’s everything?, and How’s it going? are informal greetings: Hi Deb! How's it going? How do you do? › How do you do? is a formal greeting: "I’m Jack Stewart." "How do you do, I’m Angela Black."

(Definition of how adv from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)