néanmoins

Néanmoins is a French adverb meaning nevertheless or nonetheless. It introduces a statement that contrasts with or tempers what precedes it, and it is commonly used in formal or written French as a concession.

In use, néanmoins functions as a sentence adverb or as a transition within a sentence. It is often placed after a semicolon or at the beginning of a new sentence: "Le coût est élevé; néanmoins, le projet peut être rentable à long terme." It is slightly more formal than everyday equivalents like pourtant or toutefois and is frequently chosen in academic, professional, or expository writing.

Etymology and register: néanmoins is a historic concessive adverb in French, generally treated as a fixed, invariable expression. It belongs to the class of adverbs of concession, alongside terms such as cependant, toutefois and pourtant, but it tends to carry a more formal tone. In contemporary usage, it appears mainly in written language and careful speech.

Synonyms and nuances: near-synonyms include néanmoins, cependant, toutefois and pourtant. While all convey contrast, néa-mais is often perceived as marking a deliberate, measured concession rather than a blunt opposition. The choice among them can affect formality and emphasis.

Examples across contexts:

- Le dossier est volumineux; néanmoins, il contient toutes les informations nécessaires.

- Cette solution est coûteuse; néanmoins, elle offre une performance supérieure.

- Néanmoins, il faut aussi considérer d’autres facteurs.