nevertheless
neh-vuh-thuh-LEHS
Nevertheless (adv) means In spite of what was just said; even so. Example: “The trip was expensive; nevertheless, they had a wonderful time.”
adv
1
In spite of what was just said; even so.
"Nevertheless, it is clear that the global energy demand for air-conditioning will grow substantially as nations become more affluent, with the consequences of climate change potentially accelerating the demand."
— , Will AC Put a Chill on the Global Energy Supply? (2013)
"The attainment of the skills of elementary reading occurred some time ago for almost all who read this book. Nevertheless, we continue to experience the problems of this level of reading, no matter how capable we may be as readers."
— Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren (1972)
"The trip was expensive; nevertheless, they had a wonderful time."
"It was raining hard; nevertheless, the match went ahead."
"I was very tired after the long journey; nevertheless, I helped them unpack."
How to use nevertheless
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal way of saying "still" or "even so," used to contrast with what came before.
Common mistake
Nevertheless and nonetheless are essentially interchangeable; nevertheless is slightly more common in everyday writing.
Easily confused with
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The trip was expensive; _____, they had a wonderful time.
Etymology
From Middle English nevertheles, built from never plus the plus less; compare the phrase "never the wiser."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for nevertheless
useless
ageless
wireless
hopeless
homeless
tireless
careless
lifeless
baseless
clueless
timeless
loveless
See all rhymes for nevertheless →
Frequently asked questions
What does “nevertheless” mean?
The word “nevertheless” means in spite of what was just said; even so. In plain terms, a formal way of saying "still" or "even so," used to contrast with what came before.
How do you pronounce “nevertheless”?
“Nevertheless” is pronounced neh-vuh-thuh-LEHS (/ˌnɛvɚðəˈlɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “nevertheless” in a sentence?
Here is “nevertheless” used in a sentence: “The trip was expensive; nevertheless, they had a wonderful time.”
What is the opposite of “nevertheless”?
The opposite of “nevertheless” — its antonyms — are therefore and thus.
What part of speech is “nevertheless”?
“Nevertheless” is an adverb.
Where does the word “nevertheless” come from?
The word “nevertheless” comes from Middle English. From Middle English nevertheles, built from never plus the plus less; compare the phrase "never the wiser.".
Is “nevertheless” a common word?
“Nevertheless” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "nevertheless" and "nonetheless"?
The two are almost identical in meaning, both signalling "in spite of what was just said," and are usually interchangeable. "Nevertheless" is slightly more common and can feel marginally more formal or emphatic.
What is the difference between "nevertheless" and "however"?
Both signal contrast, but "however" often introduces a qualifying or opposing point, while "nevertheless" stresses that something remains true despite what came before. "Nevertheless" tends to be stronger, closer in force to "even so."
Where should "nevertheless" go in a sentence?
"Nevertheless" is a conjunctive adverb, so it can begin a sentence, follow a semicolon, or sit mid-sentence between commas. For example: "It was raining; nevertheless, they went out." It is usually set off with punctuation.
Is "nevertheless" formal or informal?
"Nevertheless" is fairly formal and common in writing, argument, and academic prose. In casual speech people more often say "still," "even so," or "anyway."
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