Howbeit: meaning, definitions and examples
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howbeit
[ haʊˈbiːɪt ]
archaic usage
Howbeit is an archaic adverb that is used to mean 'nevertheless' or 'however.' It is often found in literary contexts or older texts and is used to introduce a contrast or exception to a previous statement. Although not commonly used in modern English, it can still add a touch of formality or literary quality to writing. In modern context, it can serve to soften a contradiction or an exception.
Synonyms
however, nevertheless, nonetheless
Examples of usage
- The weather was cold; howbeit, we decided to go for a walk.
- She was tired; howbeit, she finished her project on time.
- Howbeit he was warned, he continued with his plan.
- The task was difficult; howbeit, they persevered.
Translations
Translations of the word "howbeit" in other languages:
🇵🇹 contudo
- no entanto
- porém
🇮🇳 फिर भी
🇩🇪 dennoch
- jedoch
- allerdings
🇮🇩 namun
- tetapi
- meskipun
🇺🇦 тим не менше
- однак
- проте
🇵🇱 jednakże
- mimo to
- aczkolwiek
🇯🇵 しかし
- それでも
- とはいえ
🇫🇷 cependant
- toutefois
- néanmoins
🇪🇸 sin embargo
- no obstante
- aunque
🇹🇷 ancak
- fakat
- yine de
🇰🇷 그러나
- 하지만
- 그럼에도 불구하고
🇸🇦 ومع ذلك
- لكن
- رغم ذلك
🇨🇿 nicméně
- avšak
- přesto
🇸🇰 napriek tomu
- avšak
- však
🇨🇳 然而
- 不过
- 可是
🇸🇮 vendar
- kljub temu
- pa
🇮🇸 þó
- samt
- engu að síður
🇰🇿 дегенмен
- алайда
- бірақ
🇬🇪 თუმცა
- მაგრამ
- თუმცა
🇦🇿 lakin
- amma
- bununla yanaşı
🇲🇽 sin embargo
- no obstante
- aunque
Etymology
The term 'howbeit' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the combination of 'how' and 'beet,' which is an archaic form of the verb 'to be.' It has been used since at least the 14th century and has appeared in various literary works by authors such as Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare. With the evolution of the English language over the centuries, many words and phrases like 'howbeit' have faded from everyday use, making way for more straightforward alternatives. While it retains its place in literary contexts, it is rarely used in contemporary spoken English. Its usage reflects the rich history of the English language and the shifts in communication styles from earlier to modern forms.