However vs. Albeit: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on October 26, 2023
"However" is a conjunctive adverb meaning "in spite of that"; "albeit" is a conjunction meaning "although". They differ in that "however" begins a new sentence/clause, while "albeit" introduces a concession within a sentence.
Key Differences
"However" serves as a conjunction used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously. It typically initiates a new clause or sentence. On the other hand, "albeit" is also a conjunction, utilized to introduce a concession; it means "although" but is usually employed to introduce a remark that diminishes the effect of the statement it follows.
"However" is a versatile word in English; it can be used to start sentences or clauses, and it is used to show contrasts or contradictions between two statements. In contrast, "albeit" is more specialized and serves to introduce a fact or comment which reduces the force of what you have just said, and it does not typically start a new clause or sentence.
Using "however" typically involves a comma to separate it from the rest of the sentence, and it is much more commonly used in both spoken and written English. Conversely, "albeit" is somewhat formal and less common, often found in written English to present a contrasting idea within the same sentence.
The placement of "however" is more flexible; it can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. "Albeit," however, has more limited placement, generally appearing after the statement it is contrasting or modifying within the same sentence.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Conjunctive Adverb
Conjunction
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Usage
Used to start a new sentence or clause
Introduces concession in a sentence
Formality
Common in both formal and informal English
More formal and less common
Position
Can be placed at the start, middle, or end of a sentence
Generally follows the statement it contrasts
Punctuation
Typically separated by commas
Not typically separated by commas
However and Albeit Definitions
However
Denotes to whatever degree.
Use it however you like.
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Albeit
Used to introduce a remark that diminishes a statement.
The journey was fast, albeit tiring.
However
Indicates a difference with what has been stated before.
It is good advice. However, I cannot follow it.
Albeit
Presents a fact or comment which reduces the force of the preceding statement.
She was very pleased with the gift, albeit a bit surprised.
However
Serves to modify or emphasize.
However hard she tried, she could not remember.
Albeit
Means "although" and introduces a concession.
He is very talented, albeit inexperienced.
However
Expresses surprise.
However did you manage to do it?
Albeit
Represents a form of "although" that usually introduces a contrast.
It was a beautiful, albeit cold, day.
However
In spite of that; nevertheless; yet
The book is expensive.
However, it's worth it.
Albeit
Introduces a modifying or contrasting statement.
The book is long, albeit interesting.
However
On the other hand; by contrast
The first part was easy.
The second, however, took hours.
Albeit
Even though; although; notwithstanding
Clear albeit cold weather.
However
To whatever degree or extent
"The prospect of success, however remote, was tantalizing" (Stephen Baker).
Albeit
Although, despite (it) being.
However
In what way. Used as an intensive of how
However did you get here so soon?.
Albeit
Even though; although; notwithstanding.
Albeit so masked, Madam, I love the truth.
However
In whatever manner or way that
Dress however you like.
However
(Archaic) Notwithstanding that; although
"Howe'er thou art a fiend, / a woman's shape doth shield thee" (Shakespeare).
However
(conjunctive) Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of that.
He told me not to do it. However, I did it anyway. / I did it anyway, however. / I, however, did it anyway.
She wanted to go; however, she decided against it.
I didn't argue with him; I still think, however, that he is wrong.
However
(conjunctive) In contrast.
The conference itself went very well. The party afterwards, however, was a disaster.
However
(degree) To whatever degree or extent.
However clear you think you've been, many questions will remain.
However
In any way that one likes or chooses; in a haphazard or spontaneous way.
I don't care; just do it however.
Nothing was really planned; things just happened however.
However
(interrogative) How ever: an emphatic form of how, used to ask in what manner.
I thought it was impossible. However were you able to do it?
However
(obsolete) In any case, at any rate, at all events.
However
Regardless of the way in which.
Let me know when you've had your interview, however it goes.
However we do this, it isn't going to work.
However
In any way in which.
She offered to help however she could.
Wear your hair however you want.
However
(proscribed) But, yet, though, although.
However
In whetever manner, way, or degree.
However yet they me despise and spite.
Howe'er the business goes, you have made fault.
However
At all events; at least; in any case.
Our chief end is to be freed from all, if it may be, however from the greatest evils.
However
Nevertheless; notwithstanding; yet; still; though; as, I shall not oppose your design; I can not, however, approve of it.
In your excuse your love does little say;You might howe'er have took a better way.
However
Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession);
Although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
While we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
He was a stern yet fair master
Granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go
However
By contrast; on the other hand;
The first part was easy; the second, however, took hours
However
To whatever degree or extent;
The results, however general, are important
They have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the opposition's concerns
However
In whatever way or manner;
Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet
However he did it, it was very clever
However
In what way or manner or by what means (`however' is sometimes used as an intensive form of `how');
How did you catch the snake?
He told us how he did it
However did you get here so soon?
However
Used to introduce a contrasting statement.
I like him; however, I don’t trust him.
FAQs
Can "albeit" start a sentence?
No, "albeit" does not typically start a new sentence; it introduces a concession within a sentence.
Can "however" start a sentence?
Yes, "however" can start a sentence or a clause to introduce a contrasting idea.
Is "albeit" more formal than "however"?
Yes, "albeit" is considered more formal and is less commonly used than "however."
Can "albeit" replace "however" in a sentence?
No, "albeit" and "however" are used differently and are not usually interchangeable.
Is "albeit" used in informal conversation?
"Albeit" is less common in informal conversation due to its formal tone.
Is "albeit" a conjunction?
Yes, "albeit" is a conjunction used to introduce a concession in a sentence.
Can "however" be used in the middle of a sentence?
Yes, "however" can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
How does punctuation differ between "however" and "albeit"?
"However" is typically separated by commas, while "albeit" is not typically separated by commas within a sentence.
Is "however" a conjunction?
"However" is a conjunctive adverb used to connect independent clauses.
Is "albeit" synonymous with "although"?
Yes, "albeit" is synonymous with "although" but is used to introduce a remark that diminishes the preceding statement.
Can "albeit" be used to introduce a modifying statement?
Yes, "albeit" can introduce a modifying or contrasting statement within a sentence.
Does "however" have multiple meanings?
Yes, "however" can mean "in spite of that," "to whatever degree," or "in whatever manner."
Is "however" commonly used in written and spoken English?
Yes, "however" is commonly used in both written and spoken English to introduce contrasting statements.
Can "however" be used to express surprise?
Yes, "however" can be used to express surprise, as in "However did you know?"
Does "albeit" have limited placement within a sentence?
Yes, "albeit" generally appears after the statement it is contrasting or modifying within the same sentence.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
