Nevertheless vs. nonetheless
Nevertheless and nonetheless are synonyms that both belong to the same part of speech; i.e, they’re compound adverbs that express contrast. There is a difference between them worth observing, however subtle it may be:
- Nonetheless is more like ‘in contrast to’ something that was said, and similar to ‘conversely’.
- Nevertheless means ‘in spite of’ what was mentioned, and is similar to ‘however’, or ‘even still’.
“Nevertheless” / “nonetheless”, used in sentences
| Examples: “nevertheless” used in sentences |
|---|
| There is little chance that we will succeed in changing the law. Nevertheless, it is important that we try. Our defeat was expected but it is disappointing nevertheless. The old system had its flaws, but nevertheless it was preferable to the new one. |
| Examples: “nonetheless” used in sentences |
|---|
| The book is too long but, nonetheless, informative and entertaining. The problems are not serious. Nonetheless, we shall need to tackle them soon. |
Nevertheless, synonyms
- still
- though
- yet
- nonetheless
- notwithstanding
- however
- withal
Nonetheless, synonyms
- still
- though
- yet
- nonetheless
- notwithstanding
- however
- withal
Word origin (of nonetheless/nevertheless)
“Notwithstanding,” early 14c., neuer þe lesse; as one word from mid-14c., neuerþeles. The sense of never here is “not at all; none the,” as in unmerged expressions such as never the wiser, never the worse.
Read about other misused words
Sources
- Oxford Learner’s Dictionary. Accessed 13 April, 2024.
- Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/nevertheless. Accessed 13 April, 2024.
