how

/haʊ/ adverb

Definition

WAY › used to ask about the way something happens or is done: How did he die? How does she manage to keep the house so tidy?

QUANTITY › used to ask about quantity, size, or age: How big is the house? How old are they? How much (= what price) was that dress? How far is the next garage?

EMPHASIZE › used before an adjective or adverb to emphasize it: I was amazed at how quickly she finished.

HEALTH › used to ask about someone's health: How are you feeling today?

SITUATION › used to ask about the success or progress of a situation: How's everything going? How was the exam?

How are you? › used to ask someone if they are well and happy: "How are you Jane?" - "Oh, not so bad thanks."

How about..? › used to make a suggestion: How about a drink? [+ doing sth] How about going to the cinema?

How come? informal › used to ask about the reason for something, especially when you feel surprised about it: "Kate's gone to the party on her own." "How come?"

→ See also know-how

(Definition of how adverb from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)