This is the 5757th most frequent Dutch word.
nochtans
"Nevertheless" or "however."
Here, 'nochtans' signals a contradiction to expectations based on the observation described in the first clause.
We zagen donkere wolken in de verte, nochtans bleef het droog.
We saw dark clouds in the distance, yet it stayed dry.
'Nochtans' is used here to highlight an outcome that contrasts with the anticipated reaction from receiving the information.
Ze heeft de informatie ontvangen, nochtans besloot ze niet mee te gaan.
She received the information, yet she decided not to join.
In this sentence, 'nochtans' is used to introduce a contrasting idea, emphasizing the unexpected outcome despite the preceding clause.