withal
/wi' :l/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb:
- In addition; besides; moreover: Used to introduce an additional point or consideration, often at the end of a clause or sentence.
- Nevertheless; despite that; all the same: Used to indicate a contrast or concession, meaning 'in spite of that' or 'however'.
Preposition (archaic):
- With: Used to mean 'with' or 'with it/them'. This usage is now obsolete.
Usage
- Adverb (Modern, formal/literary usage): The adverb is the primary surviving use. It is formal and somewhat literary. It typically appears at the end of a clause or sentence to add a supplementary or contrasting point.
- Preposition (Archaic): The prepositional use is now considered archaic and is rarely encountered outside of historical texts or deliberate archaisms.
Examples
- Adverb (meaning 'in addition'): (She is intelligent and also kind.) (The task was difficult and, moreover, dangerous.)
- Adverb (meaning 'nevertheless'): (He was very tired; nevertheless, he finished the race.)
- Preposition (archaic): (With what shall he fill his belly?)
Advanced Usage
- Stylistic Note: Using "withal" adds a formal, old-fashioned, or literary tone to writing or speech. It is not common in everyday conversation.
- Position in Sentence: As an adverb, it is almost always placed at the end of the clause it modifies.
Variants and Related Words
- Therewithal (adv., archaic): With or in addition to that; moreover.
Synonyms
- Adverb (in addition): Additionally, furthermore, moreover, also.
- Adverb (nevertheless): However, nevertheless, nonetheless, still, yet.
Related Phrases / Idioms
- No common modern idioms use "withal." Its use in phrases is typically direct and literal according to the definitions above.
Adverb
- together with this
- despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession)
- although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
- while we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
- he was a stern yet fair master
- granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go