Nonetheless, nevertheless, notwithstanding, howvere

[aachu]

My question is, do the all mean the same, and can we use them interchangeably?

[SlickVic9000]

(Not a Teacher)

Not all of them.

'Nonetheless', 'nevertheless', and 'notwithstanding' are similar in meaning to 'regardless' or 'in spite of' and can be used interchangeably.

'However' is similar to 'but', which represents a turn in the conversation.

[TheParser]

***** NOT A TEACHER *****


Aachu,

May I just add a comment to SlickVic's excellent answer.

(1) You have probably already noticed that "notwithstanding" is a very "strange"

word: it can go in different positions.

(a) It is still warm, notwithstanding the drop in temperature.
(b) It is still warm, the drop in temperature notwithstanding.

Source: Longman English Grammar (1988), page 331.

[Only my note: I think (think!) that you could also say:

Notwithstanding the drop in temperature, it is still warm.
The drop in temperature not withstanding, it is still warm.]

(c) It was the same material, notwithstanding the texture seemed different.

Source: Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd edition).

(d) He went to the game anyway, doctor's order notwithstanding.
Notwithstanding the long delay, I shall still go.
Notwithstanding a brilliant defense, he was found guilty.

Source: The Random House Dictionary of the English Language (Unabridged), 1967.

(e) He persisted, threats notwithstanding.
I shall go, notwithstanding you forbid me.

Source: Webster's New International Dictionary (2nd edition).

(f) He rushed across the bridge, the enemy's fire notwithstanding.
John Doe, notwithstanding he had a bad temper, was really a great man. [I have changed this sentence a bit.]
Notwithstanding the force of the enemy is superior, we shall conquer.

Source: Funk & Wagnalls New Standard Dictionary of the English Language (1952).

[aachu]

Thank you so much for such a detailed answer,Sir TheParser.