Notwithstanding: meaning, definitions and examples

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notwithstanding

[ˌnɒtwɪðˈstændɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in spite of

despite the fact that; although. used to introduce a fact that is surprising after the other facts you have just mentioned.

Synonyms

despite, however, nevertheless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
notwithstanding	Used to introduce a contrast or exception, typically in formal or legal contexts. Notwithstanding the evidence, the jury found him not guilty. The project went ahead, notwithstanding opposition from local residents.
despite	Used to indicate that something happened or is true even though there was an obstacle or contrary influence. She finished the marathon despite the pain in her leg. Despite his busy schedule, he always finds time for his family.
nevertheless	Used to show a contrast or contradiction, typically in more formal or written contexts. She didn't like the idea. Nevertheless, she agreed to help. The weather was cold and rainy. Nevertheless, they decided to go camping.
however	Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems to contradict something that has been said previously. I wanted to go for a walk. However, it started to rain. He is a brilliant scientist. However, his communication skills need improvement.

Examples of usage

Notwithstanding the fact that she was tired, she managed to finish the project on time.
He decided to go for a run notwithstanding the rain outside.

^{Context #2 | Preposition}

despite

in spite of; without being opposed or prevented by.

Synonyms

despite, in spite of, regardless of.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
notwithstanding	Often used in formal or legal contexts. It can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. Notwithstanding the evidence, the jury found him not guilty. She went to the party, her parents' disapproval notwithstanding.
despite	Commonly used in everyday language to show something happening in opposition to a circumstance. Usually followed by a noun or noun phrase. She went for a walk despite the rain. Despite his fear, he completed the task.
in spite of	Similar to 'despite', but can be slightly more emphatic. Often used to show something happening contrary to expectations. In spite of the difficulties, they finished the project on time. He succeeded in spite of his lack of experience.
regardless of	Used to indicate something happening without consideration of factors that might normally affect it. It often has a resolute or determined connotation. She will succeed regardless of the obstacles. He continued working regardless of the time.

Examples of usage

She went on strike notwithstanding an order to return to work.
Notwithstanding his lack of experience, he managed to succeed in the new job.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Middle English 'notwithstandinge', which combines 'not' and 'withstand'.
It has roots in Old English and Gothic forms, implying resistance; the word evolved through usage in legal and formal texts.
Notwithstanding has been used in English for over 600 years, showing its deep historical presence in the language.

Legal Usage

Commonly used in legal contexts, it serves to introduce a clause that allows for exceptions.
In contracts, 'notwithstanding' clarifies that certain terms or conditions will apply regardless of other provisions.
Legal professionals often use it to create clarity by stating what does not change or what remains true despite other factors.

Pop Culture

Used in films and literature to convey defiance or resilience, often highlighting characters that overcome challenges.
The phrase appears in famous quotes and speeches, signifying strength against opposition.
Musicals and plays sometimes feature the term in dramatic moments to emphasize determination.

Psychology

Understanding the term can help in cognitive dissonance, recognizing when opposing facts coexist.
It reflects a common human experience where we might have conflicting thoughts but still act in a certain way.
Using phrases like 'notwithstanding' can show how people navigate complex situations with conflicting realities.

Literature

Authors often use 'notwithstanding' to craft intricate narratives that explore complicated relationships and themes.
The term can enhance poetic language, allowing for deeper meaning as it contrasts different ideas.
In classic literature, it frequently highlights themes of perseverance despite adversity.

Translations

Translations of the word "notwithstanding" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não obstante

apesar de
embora

🇮🇳 फिर भी

बावजूद
इसके बावजूद

🇩🇪 ungeachtet

trotzdem
dennoch

🇮🇩 meskipun

walaupun
terlepas dari

🇺🇦 незважаючи на

попри
тим не менше

🇵🇱 niezależnie od

mimo
pomimo

🇯🇵 にもかかわらず

それにもかかわらず
とはいえ

🇫🇷 nonobstant

malgré
néanmoins

🇪🇸 no obstante

a pesar de
sin embargo

🇹🇷 buna rağmen

yine de
her şeye rağmen

🇰🇷 그럼에도 불구하고

그에 대해
그럼에도

🇸🇦 على الرغم من

بالرغم من
مع ذلك

🇨🇿 navzdory

přesto
i tak

🇸🇰 napriek

napriek tomu
aj tak

🇨🇳 尽管

虽然
不管

🇸🇮 kljub temu

kljub
ne glede na

🇮🇸 þrátt fyrir

engu að síður
þó

🇰🇿 қарамастан

соған қарамастан
дегенмен

🇬🇪 თუმცა

მიუხედავად
მიუხედავად ამისა

🇦🇿 buna baxmayaraq

buna görə
buna qarşı

🇲🇽 no obstante

a pesar de
sin embargo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,639, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3641 injection
3642 friendship
...