Nevertheless; notwithstanding; yet; still; though; as, I shall not
oppose your design; I can not, however, approve of it. "In your
excuse your
love does few speak; You
might howe'er have took a
better way." (Dryden)
Synonym: However, at least, Nevertheless, yet.
These words, as here compared, have an adversative
sense in
reference to something referred to in the context. However is the most common, and leads to a final conclusion or decision. Thus we speak, the truth, however, has not
yet fully come out; i.e, such is the speaker's conclusion in
view of the
intact case. So
also we speak, however, you may rely on my assistance to that amount; i. E, at all events, whatever may happen,
this is my final decision. At
least is adversative in other way. It points out the
utmost concession that can possibly be required, and still marks the adversative conclusion; as, at least,
this should be done; whatever may be our
love of peace, we should at
least sustain the rights of conscience. Nevertheless denotes that though the concession be fully made, it has no
bearing of the question; as, nevertheless, we should go forward. Yet signifies that
however extreme the supposition or fact comceded may be, the consequence which
might naturally be
expected does not and
will not follow; as, though I must
die with thee,
yet will I not reject thee; though he slay me,
yet will I
trust in him. Cf. But.
Source: Websters Vocabulary