Adverbs are words that act as adjectives for verbs. They modify or qualify other verbs or adverbs.
Nonetheless and nevertheless are two such adverbs. Nonetheless means ‘in spite of,’ and nevertheless also means the same thing.
Key Takeaways
- Nonetheless, both adverbs indicate contrast or concession in a sentence.
- Nonetheless is used to show that something is unexpected or surprising, while nevertheless is used to introduce a statement that contradicts or qualifies a previous statement.
- Nonetheless can be replaced by “even so” or “despite that,” while nevertheless can be replaced by “however” or “yet.”
Nonetheless vs. Nevertheless
Nonetheless, an adverb can be used to reference a measurable thing. Nonetheless is used in formal conversations. Nonetheless is used in passive-voice sentences. Nevertheless, it is also an adverb and is used in active-voice sentences. People mostly use the word nevertheless in formal conversations. Nonetheless and nevertheless are synonyms, but their uses are different.
Nonetheless and nevertheless aren’t used much nowadays, but they sound more formal than ‘however’ or ‘anyways’. Although they aren’t used all that much anymore, knowing about their usage is handy.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Nonetheless | Nevertheless |
|---|---|---|
| Context of Usage | Nonetheless is used for something that can be measured. | Nevertheless is used to indicate a situation that has or may occur. |
| Voice of Speech | Used more in the passive voice. | Used more in the active voice. |
| Origin | It came into usage centuries after nevertheless started being used, around the 16th century. | Came in usage around the 14th century. |
| Frequency of Usage | Used less frequently. | Used more frequently. |
| Indication of Chance | Provides a tangible sense to the sentence. | Provides a temporal sense to the sentence. |
What is Nonetheless?
Nonetheless, an adverb used in English means ‘despite.’ There are several synonyms for the words like ‘nevertheless,’ ‘even so’, ‘however’, etc.
For example: ” She was tired; nonetheless, she decided to go to work.” The sentence tells us that the subject does something despite feeling the opposite.
Nonetheless is used when conversing formally. It is a compound word that combines three words; none, the, and less.
When one uses the word nonetheless, there are chances that the situation they are referring to might still be carried out.
For example: “She was scared. Nonetheless, she decided to open the door.” This sentence shows that even though there was a chance that the subject could have chosen not to carry out a particular action, they decided otherwise and did it anyway.
What is Nevertheless?
Nevertheless is also an adverb. It means ‘all the same or notwithstanding.’
For example: “He retired from being a doctor in 1999. Nevertheless, he still saved lives until his death.” This sentence, nevertheless, is used to indicate the surprise at the turn of events.
Nevertheless is also used formally and is a compound word too. Nevertheless is used more than nonetheless.
The word shows a finality in the sentence. It tells us that the situation in reference might never come around or happen. It is also used more negatively than nonetheless.
For example: “They knew the team would lose. Nevertheless, he placed a bet on that team and lost everything.” This sentence shows the finality of a situation where the subject is at a loss.
Main Differences Between Nonetheless and Nevertheless
- Nonetheless is used for some measurable quantity while nevertheless for situations that may or may not occur.
- Nonetheless is used more in the passive voice, whereas nevertheless is used more in the active voice.
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
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