withal
gb/wˈɪθəl/ us/wˈɪθəl/
C2
English
~ 26600
is, egyúttal, mégis, mindamellett
C2
LITERARY
1
Usage pattern:
[clause]; [adjective] withal
He was a stern man, but just withal.
Szigorú ember volt, de igazságos is.
The cottage was small and dark, cozy withal.
A kunyhó kicsi és sötét volt, de otthonos is.
She was weary from the road, cheerful withal and full of hope.
It was a harsh land, beautiful withal in the clear morning light.
The offer was risky, tempting withal to a desperate man.
Learner examples
He was strict, kind withal.
Szigorú volt, de kedves is.
The room was cold, comfortable withal.
A szoba hideg volt, de kényelmes is.
She felt tired, happy withal after the long day.
The book is hard to read, interesting withal.
The town is quiet and very pretty withal.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "withal" with the common phrase "with all" and write things like *"I went to the party withal my friends."* This is incorrect; in modern English you should almost always use "with all" (two words) for this meaning. "Withal" is rare and mainly found in older or literary texts, often at the end of a clause (e.g. "brave withal"). In contemporary writing and speech, prefer "besides", "as well", or "in addition" instead of "withal".
Meaning
in addition; besides; as well
Collocations
brave withal
|gentle withal
|kindly withal
|stern withal
|fragile withal
Synonyms
besides (Neutral and modern; can be used in almost all contexts where this sense of "withal" appears.)
|
in addition (More formal and explicit; often starts a new clause rather than appearing at the end like "withal".)
|
as well (Very common and informal-neutral; usually follows the item added, similar position to "withal".)
Antonyms
only (Limits or restricts instead of adding more information.)
Themes
literature
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used mostly in old or literary writing to mean ‘in addition’ or ‘as well’, often after describing someone.
Used after a statement to add another qualifying fact, often about the same person or thing, especially in a literary style.
C2
LITERARY
2
mégis
B1
mindamellett
C2
Usage pattern:
withal, [clause]
He was poor, withal he was proud.
Szegény volt, mégis büszke.
The journey was long and dangerous; withal, they did not turn back.
Az út hosszú és veszélyes volt; ennek ellenére nem fordultak vissza.
She knew the risks and, withal, agreed to help.
It was a foolish plan, and withal it succeeded.
He spoke harshly; withal, there was kindness in his eyes.
Learner examples
He was very tired; withal, he worked all night.
Nagyon fáradt volt; mégis egész éjjel dolgozott.
The road was bad; withal, they drove on.
Az út rossz volt; ennek ellenére továbbhajtottak.
She was afraid; withal, she opened the door.
It was raining hard; withal, they went to the park.
The test was very hard; withal, he passed.
Common mistake:
Learners may think "withal" here means the same as "with all" and try to use it in modern speech like *"Withal this traffic, I was late."* Modern English instead uses "with all this traffic" or a connector like "because of". In its contrast meaning, "withal" is now archaic; use "nevertheless", "nonetheless", or "still" instead.
Meaning
nevertheless; despite that
Synonyms
nevertheless (Direct modern equivalent in most contexts, slightly formal but common.)
|
nonetheless (Very close in meaning; slightly more formal or literary than "nevertheless".)
|
still (More informal and common, often used in speech instead of "withal".)
Antonyms
therefore (Introduces a logical result, whereas "withal" introduces a contrast or concession.)
Themes
literature
|logic
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Used in old or literary writing to mean ‘nevertheless’ or ‘despite that’.
Used, especially at the beginning or end of a clause, to introduce a statement that contrasts with but does not cancel what has just been said.
Grammar
Dictionary form
withal
IPA
GB/wˈɪθəl/
US/wˈɪθəl/
Syllables & stress
with - al (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (with)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: withal
- Plural: withals
Word family
Forms
withals
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.