First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1notwithstanding
preposition not·with·stand·ing \ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ, -with-\
: without being prevented by (something)
Full Definition of NOTWITHSTANDING
: despite <notwithstanding their inexperience, they were an immediate success> —often used after its object <the motion passed, our objection notwithstanding>
See notwithstanding defined for English-language learners
See notwithstanding defined for kids
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Examples of NOTWITHSTANDING
- There were purges and there were trials, but compared with the 1940s these were mild indeed, Germany was finally reunited, and, appalling wars in the Balkans notwithstanding, Europe survived the end of the Cold War. —Nicholas Fraser, Harper's, May 2006
- Over all, the Illinois is a fairly straight river, only ten per cent longer than its beeline, the fact notwithstanding that the bends at Pekin corkscrew like fishing line that has come untied. —John McPhee, New Yorker, 15 Nov. 2004
- It may sound excessive, even notwithstanding dietary concerns, but actually the balance of textures and flavors is perfect: the oiliness of the egg is matched by the sharp saltiness of the anchovies … —Nigella Lawson, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2003
- What happened to him was in no way his fault, notwithstanding the whispered innuendos of the English-speaking residents. —Francine Prose, Harper's, March 2002
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Origin of NOTWITHSTANDING
Middle English notwithstonding, from not + withstonding, present participle of withstonden to withstand
Related to NOTWITHSTANDING
- Synonyms
- despite, regardless of, with
Rhymes with NOTWITHSTANDING
2notwithstanding
adverb not·with·stand·ing \ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ, -with-\
: in spite of what has just been said
Full Definition of NOTWITHSTANDING
See notwithstanding defined for English-language learners
Origin of NOTWITHSTANDING
(see 1notwithstanding)
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to NOTWITHSTANDING
- Synonyms
- even so, howbeit, nevertheless, nonetheless, however, still, still and all, though, withal, yet
3notwithstanding
conjunction not·with·stand·ing \ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ, -with-\
Definition of NOTWITHSTANDING
: although
Origin of NOTWITHSTANDING
(see 1notwithstanding)
First Known Use: 15th century
NOTWITHSTANDING[1] Defined for Kids
1notwithstanding
preposition not·with·stand·ing \ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ, -with-\
Definition of NOTWITHSTANDING for Kids
: in spite of <We went notwithstanding the weather.>
2notwithstanding
adverb
Definition of NOTWITHSTANDING for Kids
: nevertheless <The team was inexperienced, but won notwithstanding.>
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