こそすれ

conjunction, particle

and; although; but

Used in the pattern XこそすれY to contrast two phrases, emphasizing that X is true while Y is not. Often implies 'X is certainly the case, but Y is not' or 'X happens, but Y does not'. Formal/literary tone.

See also: こそあれ

• 彼かれは努ど力りょくこそすれ、決けっして諦あきらめない。

  He makes efforts, but he never gives up.

• この計けい画かくは遅