Nevertheless vs. nonetheless
Nevertheless and nevertheless are indeed similar words and are synonyms that can be used in similar contexts. It’s no mystery that people confuse the two.
Both words belong to the same part of speech: they are compound adverbs and express contrast. Nevertheless, there is a difference between them worth observing, however subtle it may be. Let’s take a closer look.
- Nonetheless means ‘in contrast to‘ something that happened or was said. It’s similar in meaning to ‘conversely’.
- Nevertheless means ‘in spite of’ what was mentioned, and is similar to ‘however’, or ‘even still’.
What are compound adverbs?
To refresh your memory on basic English grammar, adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Compound adverbs consist of an adverb + another word (or sometimes two).
“Nevertheless” and “nonetheless” combine three words: never + the + less, and none + the + less. As separate words, they mean something entirely different than what the word means as a whole.
Both are also conjunctive adverbs that connect independent clauses when paired with a semicolon and a coordinating conjunction.
“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 flaws; nevertheless, it was preferable to the new one. The path was steep and dangerous; nevertheless, they reached the summit by noon |
| Examples: “nonetheless” used in sentences |
|---|
| The book is too long, but informative nonetheless.
The problems are not serious. Nonetheless, we shall need to tackle them soon. We were outnumbered; nonetheless, we managed to win the game |
Nevertheless, synonyms
- still
- though
- yet
- notwithstanding
- however
- withal
- on the other hand
- in spite of that
- be that as it may
- contrarily
- anyhow
- in any event
- even so
Practice using the verb in different tenses with example sentences to memorize the correct forms.
Nonetheless, synonyms
- still
- though
- yet
- notwithstanding
- however
- withal
Word origins
“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
| Commonly misused words | UK English vs. US English |
|---|---|
| former vs. latter | burned or burnt? |
| bear with vs. bare with | color or colour? |
| breathe or breath | favorite vs. favourite |
| compliment vs. complement | smelled or smelt? |
| effect vs. affect | gray or grey? |
| elude or allude | favor vs. favour |
| it’s or its | analyze or analyse? |
Sources
- Oxford Learner’s Dictionary. Accessed 13 April, 2024.
- Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/word/nevertheless. Accessed 13 April, 2024.
Worksheet
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