WordGarden.ionevertheless
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /nˌɛvəðəlˈɛs/
US
- /ˌnɛvərðəˈlɛs/
Meanings
Adverb
despite that; used to introduce a contrasting or concessive statement
Beyond the definition
"Nevertheless" is like saying "even so" or "in spite of that." It shows that something is true, but the next point is still true as well. Imagine someone says it's raining, and you reply, "Nevertheless, we're going to the park." You are admitting the rain, but you are still saying what will happen next. It sounds more formal than "but" or "still," so it is common in writing and formal speech.
Think of it as a way to continue after mentioning a problem or difficulty. A scientist might try many failed experiments and nevertheless keep searching for the answer. Or a chef might burn a batch of cookies but nevertheless start another one. It is about seeing the obstacle clearly and moving forward anyway.
"Nevertheless" is a conjunctive adverb that signals a contrast or contradiction despite something previously stated. It is a bit more formal than simply saying "but" or "however," lending a sense of deliberate consideration to the statement. Imagine a detective piecing together clues: they might discover evidence pointing in one direction, but nevertheless pursue another lead based on intuition.
The word carries a weight of acknowledging an obstacle or difficulty before moving forward. It's not about ignoring the problem; it's about recognizing it and proceeding in spite of it. You could say, "The task was incredibly challenging; nevertheless, she completed it with grace." This highlights both the difficulty and her success.
It often appears in academic writing, formal argument, news writing, and careful speech, especially when the speaker wants to admit one fact without giving up the main point. In that sense, it does more than simple contrast. It tells the listener or reader, "Yes, this difficulty is real, but it does not change what comes next." That is why it is useful in discussions of effort, exceptions, and surprising outcomes.
It is not usually used to introduce a completely unrelated thought; it needs a clear connection to what came before. You would not normally begin a conversation with "Nevertheless..." unless some context had already been established. So, when you want to admit a fact, obstacle, or objection and still continue with your point, "nevertheless" is the word that helps you move the idea forward.
Examples
- 1
Weather plans
It was raining hard. Nevertheless, we went for a walk.
- Usage
nevertheless is more common in writing or careful speech than in casual chat
- 2
Travel choice
The hotel was expensive; nevertheless, it was the best option near the station.
- 3
Decision making
I understand your concerns. Nevertheless, we need to make a decision today.
- 4
Early prototype
The first version had several bugs, but nevertheless it showed that the idea could work.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Interview composure
She was nervous before the interview. She answered every question calmly nevertheless.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- even so
- all the same
- notwithstanding
Contrast
Do not confuse
- never the less
Used with (collocations)
- but nevertheless
- nevertheless,
- is nevertheless
Explore
- concession
- contrast marker
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- neverthelessadverb