nonetheless

UK: ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs | US: ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs

Definition

  1. adv. in spite of that; nevertheless

Structure
none <not any>the <that>less <without>
Etymology

The word "nonetheless" is a compound of three Old English elements:

  1. "none" (from "nān," meaning "not any")
  2. "the" (from "þe," the definite article "that")
  3. "less" (from "lǣs," meaning "without" or "lacking").
    Originally, it functioned as a phrase ("none the less") to mean "not any the less" or "in no way inferior." Over time, it merged into a single adverb retaining its concessive meaning, similar to "nevertheless." The logic reflects persistence despite conditions ("not any less because of that").
Examples

  1. The weather was terrible; nonetheless, we decided to go hiking.

  2. She was exhausted, but she finished the race nonetheless.

  3. The evidence was weak, but the jury convicted him nonetheless.

  4. He knew the risks, yet he proceeded nonetheless.

  5. The project faced many setbacks, but it succeeded nonetheless.