Main Difference – Nonetheless vs Nevertheless
Nonetheless and nevertheless are two adverbs that indicate opposition and contrast. They carry the meaning in spite of that and notwithstanding. Both these adverbs are used in formal, written language. Although many people assume that there is a difference between nonetheless and nevertheless, there is no difference in meaning or usage. The main difference between nonetheless and nevertheless is that nevertheless is more commonly used by people. Let’s look at the meaning and usage of these two adverbs in this article and examine whether there is a difference between them.
Nonetheless vs Nevertheless – Meaning and Usage
Nonetheless and nevertheless have the same meaning. Both Oxford Dictionary and Merriam-Webster dictionary use nevertheless to describe the meaning of nonetheless. They are synonymous with the meaning “in spite of the fact.” Thus, they indicate opposition in a sentence. The following sentences will help you to understand the meaning and usage of these two adverbs.
The evening started badly; we had fun nevertheless.
It was a silly, but nevertheless funny story.
There are some problems with this project, but we will complete it in time nonetheless.
I know it was an accident, but my car is damaged nevertheless.
It was a boring movie, but we had fun nevertheless.
She shed a few angry tears after that, but still went to the Science test nonetheless.
Furious at Helene, he was nonetheless concerned about her safety.
We don’t provide cleaning services; nonetheless, it can be arranged.
His English is terrible; nevertheless, he got good marks in the exam.
It was raining heavily; the children played football nevertheless.
When we look at the history of these two words, nevertheless has a longer history than nonetheless; nevertheless has come into use in the 14th century. Nonetheless is derived from the phrase ‘none the less.’
Difference Between Nonetheless and Nevertheless
- Nonetheless and nevertheless are adverbs which are used in writing.
- Both adverbs have the same meaning.
- Nevertheless is more commonly used and preferred than nonetheless.
- Nevertheless has a longer history than nonetheless.
Image Courtesy:
“Teenagers playing soccer in the rain” Marlon Dias (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
