Nevertheless
/ˌnɛvərðəˈlɛs/
adverbB2
Definition
Nevertheless means "in spite of that" or "even so." It is used to connect two ideas where the second idea happens or is true even though the first idea might suggest otherwise. It helps show contrast or surprise between two statements.
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See It in Action
To show contrast or unexpected continuation
- •It was very cold outside; nevertheless, he went swimming.
- •She was tired; nevertheless, she finished her homework.
- •The movie got bad reviews; nevertheless, many people watched it.
To introduce a fact that is true despite what was said before
- •The plan was risky; nevertheless, they decided to try it.
- •He didn’t have much experience; nevertheless, he got the job.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "nevertheless" like "but" or "still," but it sounds more formal and stronger for showing contrast.
- ✓Picture a person walking in the rain without an umbrella, and someone says, "It is raining hard. Nevertheless, she keeps walking." The second part shows she continues despite the rain.
- ✓It's the feeling when you expect something to stop or change, but it does not—like when you think you will fail a test, nevertheless, you pass.
- ✓Sounds like "never-the-less" → imagine someone saying "never less" to mean "not less than before," so something continues or happens anyway.
- ✓Think of stories where a character faces problems but continues to try anyway—that is "nevertheless" in action.
- ✓NOT like "because" (which shows reason), "nevertheless" shows contrast or surprise between ideas.
- ✓NOT like "and" (which adds information), "nevertheless" shows opposition or difference.
- ✓NOT like "however" (similar meaning), but "nevertheless" is often a bit more formal or strong.
Try Other Words
- •However: shows contrast or opposition (Use when you want to connect two ideas with a contrast, often at the start of a sentence)
- •Yet: shows contrast or something unexpected (Use when the contrast is short and casual)
- •Even so: shows something is true despite what was said (Use in spoken or written English to emphasize surprise)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "never" + "the" + "less" → literally means "not less than before"
- •Etymology: From Middle English, combining words that express "not less" or "in spite of that"
- •Historical development: Used since the 14th century to show contrast or unexpected continuation
- •Modern usage: Common in formal writing, speeches, and careful conversation to connect contrasting ideas politely
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you expected something to stop, but nevertheless it continued? How did that feel?
•How does using "nevertheless" change the tone or style of a sentence compared to using "but" or "still"?
Fill in the blanks
1.It was raining heavily; nevertheless, she ___ to go outside without an umbrella.
2.He failed the first test; nevertheless, he ___ hard and passed the course.
3.The team was losing by many points; nevertheless, they ___ to fight until the end.
4.She was very busy; nevertheless, she ___ to help her friend.
5.The food was expensive; nevertheless, they decided to ___ it.
6.The movie received bad reviews; nevertheless, many people ___ to watch it.
7.The journey was difficult; nevertheless, they ___ to complete it on time.