The word "however" is a conjunction used to introduce a contrast or exception to what has just been stated. For example, if someone says, "I love ice cream," they might follow with, "However, I can't eat it because I'm lactose intolerant." In this case, "however" signals a shift in the conversation, highlighting a limitation despite the initial positive statement. Using "however" can help clarify ideas and make writing more cohesive. It allows the writer to present different viewpoints or conditions. For instance, "The weather was beautiful; however, we decided to stay indoors." Here, "however" connects two opposing ideas, enhancing the reader's understanding of the situation.