In grammar, different words belonging to different categories help us form unique sentences. One such group of words that helps us convey the contrast of ideas or exceptions in a sentence is known as conjunctive adverbs. Under this category, we engage with words like nonetheless and nevertheless.
Many people take these two words to be of the same nature and use. In fact, some take them to be synonyms. Well, it is partially true. They both have the same meaning as however and regardless of and are used to show contrast in a sentence. However, there can be some minor differences.
Nevertheless vs Nonetheless
Nevertheless
Nevertheless is a conjunctive adverb that shows a contrast of ideas between two clauses of a sentence. That means it is somewhat similar to words like regardless of, however, etc. According to some people, it is said that nevertheless is usually used when one refers to something that has happened, will happen, or might happen. Also, nevertheless is a popular word used frequently in sentences.
For example:
- I was with her last night. Nevertheless, we didn’t talk much.
Nonetheless
Nonetheless is exactly the same as nevertheless when it concerns the meaning. But there is a small difference. The word none in nonetheless makes the complete word more noun-based than adverb-based. Therefore, people use nevertheless more popularly than nonetheless. Also, nonetheless is said to be used when one refers to something measurable, unlike nevertheless.
For example:
- I know about the books. Nonetheless, I have never read them.
So, these are the basic differences. From a normal grammatical view, they are almost the same and can be used interchangeably.
