ENGLISH
REFERENCE

nevertheless

adv. sent.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˌnɛvɝðəˈɫɛs// UK //nˌɛvəðəlˈɛs// nev·er·the·less Academic General-service

adv. in spite of what has just been said. You use it to show that something is true even though there is a reason why it might not be.

adv. in spite of that; notwithstanding. Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies a preceding point.


SIMPLE

The hike was difficult; nevertheless, we reached the top.

CONTEXTUAL

The data was incomplete; nevertheless, the researchers decided to publish their preliminary findings to spark further discussion.

COMPLEX

The economic forecast remains bleak for the coming quarter; nevertheless, consumer confidence has shown a surprising resilience that suggests a faster recovery than initially anticipated.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English nevertheles, never-þe-les, nevere-þe-lesse. By surface analysis, never (“not at all”) + the + less; compare never the wiser.

Usage

Sentence adverb — typically used as a conjunctive adverb to connect two independent clauses, often following a semicolon or starting a new sentence.

Pitfall

He was tired nevertheless he finished.He was tired; nevertheless, he finished.When connecting two independent clauses, 'nevertheless' requires a semicolon or a full stop before it, not just a comma.

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