XPost: alt.usage.english, rec.puzzles   
   From: HenHanna@devnull.tb   
      
   are  [albeit]  and  [sobeit]  related?   
      
      
   Yes, "albeit" and "sobeit" are indeed related! They share a common   
   history and both function in similar ways, though "sobeit" is much less   
   common today.   
      
   Here's the breakdown:   
      
   Albeit: This word means "although" and is used to introduce a concessive   
   clause, acknowledging a counterpoint to the main idea.   
      
   Sobeit: This less frequent term translates to "provided that" or "as   
   long as." It expresses acceptance of a situation, even if it's not ideal.   
      
      
   Origin:   
      
   Both words come from Middle English. "Albeit" is a shortening of "all be   
   it (that)," while "sobeit" originates from "so be it (that)." These   
   phrases directly translate the concessions they introduce.   
      
   Usage:   
      
   "Albeit" is still used in modern English, though it's considered a more   
   formal word.   
      
   "Sobeit" is quite rare these days. You might encounter it in older   
   literature.   
      
      
   In essence, "albeit" focuses on acknowledging a contradiction, while   
   "sobeit" emphasizes accepting a situation, even with its drawbacks.   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)