either vs however

either

adv
  • As well. 

conj
  • Introduces the first of two (or occasionally more) options or possibilities, the second (or last) of which is introduced by “or”. 

det
  • Any one (of two). 

  • Each of two; both. 

pron
  • One or the other of two people or things. 

however

adv
  • In contrast. 

  • How ever: an emphatic form of how, used to ask in what manner. 

  • To whatever degree or extent. 

  • Nevertheless; yet, still; in spite of that. 

  • In any way that one likes or chooses; in a haphazard or spontaneous way. 

conj
  • In any way in which. 

  • Regardless of the way in which. 

  • But, yet, though, although. 

How often have the words either and however occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )