albeit

Albeit is a conjunction meaning "although" or "even though." It introduces a concessive idea that qualifies the main clause and is most common in formal written English. It can appear after a noun phrase or within a sentence to attach a qualifying element, and it is not a preposition.

Etymology: Albeit derives from the phrase "all be it," from Old English, literally meaning "even if it be." Over time the words merged into a single word and became a fixed part of English syntax.

Usage: Albeit is used to soften or qualify a statement without fully denying it. It can modify adjectives or participles (for example, "albeit difficult"), or appear within a larger noun phrase set off by commas (for example, "the plan, albeit controversial"). In formal prose it is common to place albeit after the main clause as a concessive tag; it is less common in everyday speech.

Examples: The trip was enjoyable, albeit exhausting. The project, albeit costly, progressed steadily. Albeit tired, she persisted until the end.