all the same
Meaning
Despite differences or objections; anyway; it makes no difference.
Origin
From the literal sense “entirely the same,” used since early modern English; it broadened to a concessive sense (“even so/nevertheless”) meaning differences don’t matter in the outcome.
Notes
Often means “it makes no difference” or “nevertheless.” Slightly formal/old-fashioned compared with “anyway,” but still natural in speech.
Examples
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I didn’t want to go out, but I went all the same.
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The two phones look different, but they cost the same and work all the same.
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It might rain later; all the same, we should start the hike early.
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He apologized, but I was upset all the same.
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Whether we take the bus or the train, we’ll arrive by noon all the same.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase used adverbially: “It’s all the same to me,” “All the same, I went.” Not usually pluralized or reworded; “all the same” ≠ “all the same as …” (that’s literal comparison).
Synonyms
- anyway
- in any case
- nevertheless
- all the same to me
Antonyms
- it matters
- not the same
- on the contrary