Meaning & use
nonetheless
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Meaning
adverb
Despite what has just been said; in spite of that.
Grammar: Connects two ideas; it can start a sentence or come after the subject, often with commas.
Patterns
- nonetheless, ...
- ..., nonetheless
- but nonetheless
The team was tired; nonetheless, they finished the project on time.
The weather was terrible. Nonetheless, we decided to go for a walk.
She had little experience; she was nonetheless the best candidate.
Common combinations
- but nonetheless
- He was nervous but nonetheless determined to speak.
- nonetheless important
- The issue is small but nonetheless important to local residents.
- nonetheless, it is
- The evidence is limited; nonetheless, it is worth considering.
Synonyms and how they differ
- nevertheless
- Almost the same meaning and use; nevertheless can sound slightly more formal.
- however
- Similar contrast marker, but however often introduces a new sentence or clause and is more neutral in register.
- still
- Can mean 'despite that' in a shorter, more conversational way: It was hard. Still, we tried.
Opposites
Commonly confused: nonetheless or nevertheless? nonetheless or nonetheless vs. none the less?
nonetheless vs nevertheless
These are interchangeable in most contexts; nonetheless is a little less formal in feel.
nonetheless vs nonetheless vs. none the less
The standard spelling is one word; 'none the less' is old-fashioned and rarely used today.
Practice
Choose the best word: The exam was difficult; ______, she passed with a high score.
Choose one answer.
Nonetheless shows contrast: the difficulty did not prevent the high score. Therefore and so would suggest a result, which is the opposite of the intended meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “nonetheless”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.