Nonetheless
/ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs/
adverbB2
Definition
Nonetheless means that something happens or is true despite a fact or situation that might suggest otherwise. It is used to show a contrast between two ideas, where the second idea still happens even though the first one might make it seem unlikely.
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See It in Action
To show contrast or opposition, meaning "even so" or "in spite of that"
- •It was raining hard; nonetheless, they went for a walk.
- •She was tired; nonetheless, she finished her homework.
- •The task was difficult; nonetheless, he completed it on time.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "nonetheless" like "but" or "still" but more formal and used to connect two ideas in writing or speech.
- ✓Picture a person walking in the rain without an umbrella, showing they continue even though the rain is bad.
- ✓It’s the feeling of continuing or succeeding even when there are difficulties or reasons not to.
- ✓Sounds like "none-the-less" → Imagine saying "none of that (problem) matters less," meaning the problem is there, but the action still happens.
- ✓Think about stories where a character faces problems but keeps going anyway — "nonetheless" shows their strong choice.
- ✓NOT like "because" (which shows reason), "nonetheless" shows contrast or opposition.
- ✓NOT like "however" exactly, but similar; "nonetheless" often comes after a sentence to add a surprising or opposite fact.
- ✓NOT like "although" which starts a sentence; "nonetheless" usually comes after the first idea.
Try Other Words
- •However: shows contrast or unexpected result (Use when you want to introduce a contrast, often at the start of a sentence)
- •Even so: means "despite that" (Use when emphasizing that something happens despite difficulties)
- •Yet: shows contrast (Use for shorter sentences or informal speech)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "none" + "the" + "less" → literally means "not less because of that"
- •Etymology: From Middle English, combining words to express "not less in value or importance because of something"
- •Historical development: Used since the 14th century to express contrast and concession (allowing something despite opposition)
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in formal writing and speaking to link contrasting ideas politely and clearly
Reflect & Connect
•How does using "nonetheless" change the tone of a sentence compared to just using "but" or "still"?
•Can you think of a situation in your life where something difficult happened, yet you did it "nonetheless"? How would you explain this using the word?
Fill in the blanks
1.It was very cold outside; nonetheless, she ___ to go for a run.
2.The movie got bad reviews; nonetheless, many people ___ to watch it.
3.He was not feeling well; nonetheless, he ___ to attend the meeting.
4.The instructions were confusing; nonetheless, they ___ to complete the project.
5.She forgot her notes; nonetheless, she ___ to give a good presentation.
6.The team was losing; nonetheless, they played ___ until the end.
7.The weather was bad; nonetheless, the event ___ to happen as planned.