Usage of 依然
The adverb 依然 means "still" or "as before," emphasizing that a situation or state remains unchanged despite possible expectations or changes around it. It is often used in formal or written contexts to highlight persistence or continuity.
Common Collocations
- 依然坚持 (still insist): used to express continuing determination.
- 依然如故 (still as before): emphasizes no change in condition or feeling.
- 依然存在 (still exist): used to indicate something remains present.
Notes
依然 is more formal than just using 还 or 还是 for "still." It often appears in news reports, essays, or formal speech. Avoid confusing it with 仍然, which is very similar but can sometimes carry a slightly stronger sense of "still continuing." Both can often be used interchangeably, but 依然 tends to be more literary.
When using 依然, it usually precedes verbs or verb phrases to describe the ongoing state or action. It does not typically appear at the end of sentences.
Common Confusion
Don't confuse 依然 with 依赖 (to rely on), despite sharing the character 依. 依然 relates to continuity, while 依赖 means dependence.