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all the same
/ɔːl ðə seɪm/
despite what has been said
I know it's expensive, but all the same, we need to buy it.
Even though it costs a lot, we still have to purchase it.
formal
despite this; nevertheless
The weather was terrible; all the same, we decided to go hiking.
Even though the weather was bad, we still chose to go hiking.
She didn’t like the movie, but all the same, she stayed until the end.
Despite her dislike, she remained until the film concluded.
Often used to introduce a contrasting point while acknowledging a previous statement.
literal
all identical or equivalent
These two shirts look all the same to me.
I cannot distinguish any difference between these two shirts.
All the same models are available in different colors.
Every model in this series is identical except for color.
Used to emphasize uniformity or lack of variation.
Collocations
all the same to someonedoes not matter to someone
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid redundancy
Do not use 'all the same' to mean 'all identical' in contexts where 'the same' alone suffices (e.g., 'These two cars are the same' is sufficient; 'all the same' is unnecessary).
Gold Rule
Contrast vs. Uniformity
Use 'all the same' to contrast ideas when acknowledging a prior point. Use 'all the same' to emphasize uniformity only in literal contexts (e.g., objects, not abstract ideas).
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'all' (Old English 'eall') meaning 'entirely' and 'the same' (Old English 'same' from Proto-Germanic '*samaz'). The adverbial use emerged in Middle English (circa 14th century) as a way to contrast ideas despite apparent contradictions.
Usage Notes
Common in both spoken and written English, particularly in formal or reflective contexts. The phrase can sound slightly old-fashioned or literary in modern casual speech.
Word Breakdown
all
completely or entirely
adverbthe same
identical or unchanged
adjective phraseEnglish Dictionary