Formed from pour and tant. Older French used the combination with the sense of 'for so much' before it developed its modern contrastive use.
Unexpected contrast
adverb
communication
neutral
Introduces a fact that remains true even though another fact would normally suggest the opposite.
Examples
- Il pleuvait, pourtant nous sommes sortis sans parapluie.It was raining, yet we went out without an umbrella.
- Elle semblait fatiguée, pourtant elle a continué à travailler.She seemed tired, yet she carried on working.
- Le restaurant était plein, pourtant le service est resté rapide.The restaurant was full, yet the service stayed quick.
- Je connais la règle, et pourtant je fais encore cette erreur.I know the rule, and yet I still make this mistake.
- Ce chemin paraît long, pourtant il ne fait que deux kilomètres.This path looks long, yet it is only two kilometres.
Similar words
Emphatic reminder
adverb
communication
neutral
Stresses a fact that was already stated, known, or expected to be obvious, often with surprise, impatience, or gentle reproach.
Examples
- Je t'avais pourtant prévenu hier.I did warn you yesterday.
- C'est pourtant facile à comprendre.It is really easy to understand.
- Il avait pourtant promis de venir.He had promised to come, after all.
- Nous avons pourtant vérifié deux fois.We did check twice.
- Elle est pourtant bien sur la liste.She is definitely on the list.