nonetheless
nuhn-thuh-LEHS
Nonetheless (adverb) means In spite of what has just been said; nevertheless. Example: “The reviews were mixed, but the film made a lot of people cry nonetheless.”
adverb
1
In spite of what has just been said; nevertheless.
"The reviews were mixed, but the film made a lot of people cry nonetheless."
"The trip was exhausting; nonetheless, it was worth it."
"She was nervous, but performed brilliantly nonetheless."
How to use nonetheless
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA more formal way of saying "even so" or "still."
When to use it
Common in formal or written English; "still" or "even so" sound more natural in casual speech.
Easily confused with
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The reviews were mixed, but the film made a lot of people cry _____.
Etymology
A reshaping of the older word natheless, influenced by none, ultimately from Old English meaning "not the less."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for nonetheless
useless
ageless
wireless
hopeless
homeless
tireless
careless
lifeless
baseless
clueless
timeless
loveless
See all rhymes for nonetheless →
Frequently asked questions
What does “nonetheless” mean?
The word “nonetheless” means in spite of what has just been said; nevertheless. In plain terms, a more formal way of saying "even so" or "still.".
How do you pronounce “nonetheless”?
“Nonetheless” is pronounced nuhn-thuh-LEHS (/ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “nonetheless” in a sentence?
Here is “nonetheless” used in a sentence: “The trip was exhausting; nonetheless, it was worth it.”
What part of speech is “nonetheless”?
“Nonetheless” is an adverb.
Where does the word “nonetheless” come from?
The word “nonetheless” comes from Old English. A reshaping of the older word natheless, influenced by none, ultimately from Old English meaning "not the less.".
Is “nonetheless” a common word?
“Nonetheless” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between nonetheless and nevertheless?
There is no real difference in meaning: both mean 'in spite of what has just been said,' and they are interchangeable in almost every sentence. Nevertheless is the older form and remains slightly more common in edited writing, while nonetheless can feel a touch lighter.
Is it nonetheless or none the less?
The standard modern spelling is one word: nonetheless. It began as the three-word phrase 'none the less,' and that spacing still appears occasionally in British English, but the solid form is now usual everywhere.
Does nonetheless need a comma?
When nonetheless opens a sentence, it is normally followed by a comma: 'Nonetheless, we pressed on.' In mid-sentence it is set off by commas, or preceded by a semicolon when it links two clauses: 'The plan was risky; nonetheless, it worked.'
What is the difference between nonetheless and however?
However marks any kind of contrast with what came before. Nonetheless is narrower: it concedes the previous point and says the statement holds in spite of it. Every nonetheless could be replaced by however, but not every however implies that concession.
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