“Nonetheless” vs “Nevertheless”
“Nonetheless” and “Nevertheless” are two adverbs often used interchangeably in English to indicate a contrast or contradiction with a previously stated point, functioning similarly to “however” or “but”.
| Aspect | Nonetheless | Nevertheless |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Slightly newer, less formal origin. Combines “none”, “the”, and “less”. | More traditional, formal origin. Derives from “never”, “the”, and “less”. |
| Connotation | Often perceived as slightly less formal and more conversational. | Considered more formal and emphatic in contrasting a statement. |
| Usage | Used in both formal and informal contexts, but may be preferred in more conversational settings. | Commonly used in academic and professional writing, as well as formal speeches. |
| Preference | Might be chosen for its softer tone or in settings that are less formal. | Preferred in contexts where a strong emphasis on the contrast or contradiction is desired. |
| Examples | “The weather was terrible, nonetheless, the event was a success.” | “The evidence was inconclusive; nevertheless, the decision was made to proceed.” |
What’s the Difference Between “Nonetheless” and “Nevertheless”?
“Nonetheless” and “Nevertheless” are both adverbs used to introduce a contrast or contradiction to what has just been mentioned, but they are used interchangeably in many contexts.
“Nonetheless” is an adverb that means “in spite of that” or “however”. “Nevertheless” is an adverb that means “introduce a statement that contrasts with what has been mentioned previously”.