Though nonetheless immaterial for all that
/ðoʊ nʌnðəˈlɛs ɪməˈtɪriəl fɔr ɔl ðæt/
C2
Definition
This phrase is used to show that something, although mentioned or acknowledged, is not important or does not change the main idea. "Though" means "even if" or "although." "Nonetheless" means "in spite of that" or "still." "Immaterial" means "not important" or "not relevant." "For all that" means "despite that" or "even so." Together, they emphasize that something is not important no matter what.
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See It in Action
To express that something is not important despite being mentioned
- •The mistake was noted, though nonetheless immaterial for all that.
- •He explained the problem, though nonetheless immaterial for all that, the decision stayed the same.
- •The delay was frustrating, though nonetheless immaterial for all that, the project finished on time.
To show that a fact or detail does not change the main point
- •The weather was bad, though nonetheless immaterial for all that, the event went ahead.
- •She had doubts, though nonetheless immaterial for all that, she accepted the offer.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of this phrase like saying "but it doesn't matter" in a more formal or strong way.
- ✓Picture someone explaining a small problem but then saying it is not important at all.
- ✓It's the feeling when you hear a reason or excuse but decide it does not change your opinion.
- ✓Sounds like "though nun-the-less im-ma-tear-ee-uhl for all that" → imagine someone calmly saying "it doesn't matter" after hearing a long explanation.
- ✓Think of a story where a character faces many challenges, but these challenges do not stop them.
- ✓NOT like "important" or "material" (which means something matters); this phrase means the opposite.
- ✓NOT like "ignore" (which means to not pay attention); this phrase means the thing is recognized but still unimportant.
- ✓NOT like "despite" alone; this phrase combines several words to strongly say "it still does not matter."
Try Other Words
- •However unimportant: meaning the thing is not important (Use when you want to be clear but less formal)
- •Still irrelevant: meaning it does not affect the situation (Use in formal or technical contexts)
- •But it doesn't matter: meaning it is not important (Use in everyday conversation)
Unboxing
- •The phrase parts: "though" (although) + "nonetheless" (in spite of that) + "immaterial" (not important) + "for all that" (despite that)
- •"immaterial" comes from Latin meaning "not consisting of matter," used metaphorically for "not important"
- •The phrase combines old English words and Latin roots to express a complex idea of dismissal or unimportance
- •Used mainly in formal writing or speech to politely say something does not matter despite being true or acknowledged
Reflect & Connect
•How can using this phrase change the tone of your conversation or writing compared to saying "it doesn't matter"?
•Can you think of a situation when something is true but still immaterial for the main idea?
Fill in the blanks
1.He mentioned the problem, though nonetheless immaterial for all that, it did not ___ the final decision.
2.The evidence was weak, though nonetheless immaterial for all that, the jury reached a verdict.
3.Though the explanation was long, it was nonetheless immaterial for all that, the result stayed the ___.
4.The small error was noted, though nonetheless immaterial for all that, it did not ___ the outcome.
5.She apologized, though nonetheless immaterial for all that, the team continued with the ___ plan.
6.Though the weather was bad, it was nonetheless immaterial for all that, the event went ___ as planned.
7.The delay was frustrating, though nonetheless immaterial for all that, the project was ___ on time.