✅  However and nonetheless can be used when contrasting two statements (Your point is important; however/nonetheless, there are other factors to consider).

✅  However is often used when there are two equally important considerations to be contrasted, especially to emphasize the way that the two considerations interact or influence each other (Your writing is good; however, you need to work on your spelling).

✅  Nonetheless is also used when there are two important considerations, especially in a way that uses the second consideration to contextualize the first (While influential, he was nonetheless unpopular).

Try using nonetheless in a paragraph summarizing an argument or point of view.

✅  Pleasing is used to describe things that evoke pleasure or enjoyment (aesthetically pleasing). Gratifying describes something that satisfies your desires or expectations (gratifying work).

✅  Something gratifying is also usually pleasing. However, something pleasing isn’t always gratifying (a pleasing aroma).

✅  In some situations, gratifying can be a more intense word than pleasing (The reply was pleasing; The feedback was gratifying).

Try using gratifying in a paragraph about a time you received a special gift.

✅  Living and livelihood both refer to the way you earn money to support yourself (It’s an honest living; My livelihood depends on it).

✅  Livelihood is a bit more formal, but it’s used in all the same contexts as living.

✅  While they mean just about the same thing, these nouns may have different implications within certain phrases. For example, living is often used in the phrase make a living, which means to make enough money to live on. However, to make a livelihood out of something means to make a business or career out of it.

Try using livelihood in a paragraph describing your career goals.