What is the meaning of however?

adverb

• Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession. )
  • usage: "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"
  • synonyms: nevertheless, withal, still, yet, all the same, even so, nonetheless, notwithstanding
• By contrast; on the other hand.
  • usage: "the first part was easy; the second, however, took hours"
• To whatever degree or extent.
  • usage: "The results, however general, are important"; "they have begun, however reluctantly, to acknowledge the legitimacy of some of the opposition's concerns"
• In whatever way or manner.
  • usage: "Victory, however it was brought about, was sweet"; "however he did it, it was very clever"