however or no matter how?

[bosun]

I am not sure if 'however' in the following sentnece means but or no matter how. can you clarify it for me?( and explain how to distinugh the meaning)
... the parents created the new life then used that life for their own purposes, however noble.
also, what is the difference betwen sentimental reason or emotional reason , for example,
people have children for sentimental or emotional reasons.

[Bromba]

Originally Posted by bosun

I am not sure if 'however' in the following sentnece means but or no matter how. Can you clarify it for me? (and explain how to distingush the meaning).
... the parents created the new life then used that life for their own purposes, however noble.
also, what is the difference betwen sentimental reason or emotional reason , for example,
people have children for sentimental or emotional reasons.

Hi,
"However" is well used in your sentence. Indeed, it can be replaced by "no matter how." These two expressions are synonyms.
Consider this sentence: "You should report any incident, however (no matter how) serious or minor it is."

As to sentimental or emotional reasons: Sentimental reasons relate to our feelings. Something is important (e.g. a gift, picture) because it is of our feelings or memories that relate to them.
Emotional reasons also relate to our feelings but rather to the way we control them. "She eats for emotional reasons." She cannot cope with her emotions, that's why she resorts to eating.