notwithstanding

[ not-with-stan-ding, -with- ]
/ ˌnɒt wɪðˈstæn dɪŋ, -wɪθ- /

preposition

in spite of; without being opposed or prevented by: Notwithstanding a brilliant defense, he was found guilty. She went to the game anyway, doctor's orders notwithstanding.

conjunction

in spite of the fact that; although: It was the same material, notwithstanding the texture seemed different.

adverb

nevertheless; anyway; yet: We were invited notwithstanding.

Origin of notwithstanding

1350–1400; Middle English (preposition, adv., and conjunction); see not, withstand, -ing2

SYNONYMS FOR notwithstanding

1 Notwithstanding, despite, in spite of imply that something is true even though there are obstacles or opposing conditions. The three expressions may be used practically interchangeably. Notwithstanding suggests, however, a hindrance of some kind: Notwithstanding the long delay, I shall still go. Despite indicates that there is an active opposition: Despite procrastination and disorganization, they finished the project. In spite of implies meeting strong opposing forces or circumstances that must be taken into account: She succeeded in spite of many discouragements.

ANTONYMS FOR notwithstanding

1 because of, on account of.

Words nearby notwithstanding

Example sentences from the Web for notwithstanding

British Dictionary definitions for notwithstanding

notwithstanding
/ (ˌnɒtwɪθˈstændɪŋ, -wɪð-) /

preposition

(often immediately postpositive) in spite of; despite

conjunction (subordinating)

despite the fact that; although

sentence connector

in spite of that; nevertheless

Word Origin for notwithstanding

C14: not + withstanding, from Old English withstandan, on the model of Medieval Latin non obstante, Old French non obstant