Nevertheless Meaning
/ˌnɛvəðəˈlɛs/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
advIn spite of what preceded; yet.
Sentence Examples
It's just five in the morning, but nevertheless it is light out.
We thought it would rain; nevertheless, we started on our trip.
There is little chance that we will succeed in changing the law. Nevertheless
CEFR Practice Quiz
The weather was terrible with heavy rain; ____, we decided to go for a hike.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The task was extremely difficult ____, he managed to finish it on time.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English nevertheles, never-þe-les, nevere-þe-lesse. By surface analysis, never (“not at all”) + the + less; compare never the wiser.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Now no chaſtening for the preſent ſeemeth to be ioyous, but grieuous: neuertheleſſe, afterward it yeeldeth the peaceable fruite of righteouſneſſe, vnto them which are exerciſed thereby."
— 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Hebrews 12:11, column 2:
"The attainment of the skills of elementary reading occurred some time ago for almost all who read this book. Nevertheless, we continue to experience the problems of this level of reading, no matter how capable we may be as readers."
— 1972, Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren, How to Read a Book, →ISBN, →LCCN, page 17:
"Nevertheless, it is clear that the global energy demand for air-conditioning will grow substantially as nations become more affluent, with the consequences of climate change potentially accelerating the demand."
— 2013 September-October, Michael Sivak, “Will AC Put a Chill on the Global Energy Supply?”, in American Scientist:
"Paul did eventually mention potential First Amendment concerns, saying, "We have to be wary of where it leads to, so it doesn't lead to speech problems." He nevertheless could and should have made it clearer that the "crackdown" he has in mind does not entail the sort of government restrictions that Carr and Cruz rightly rejected."
— 2025 September 16, Jacob Sullum, “Brendan Carr and Ted Cruz Don't Think Charlie Kirk's Murder Justifies Speech Restrictions”, in Reason:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The weather was terrible with heavy rain; ____, we decided to go for a hike.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The task was extremely difficult ____, he managed to finish it on time.