Words / C2

orl-BEE-it/ˌɔːlˈbiːɪt/

Albeit means although, packed into a short concession: useful, albeit expensive. Writers choose it to tuck a contrast into a phrase without a full although-clause. In speech although or even if is more natural; albeit can sound stiff, and it does not start a sentence the way although does.

Meaning

Although; used to introduce a contrast in a compact way.

Examples

• “The room was comfortable, albeit small.”
• “The reform passed, albeit by a single vote.”
• “It is a solution, albeit an ugly one.”

Good to know

albeit + adjective/phrase. Not a sentence starter like although.

Near in meaning

although

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