prep C1 Advanced Uncommon

notwithstanding

not-wihth-STAN-dihng

Notwithstanding (prep) means In spite of; despite. Example: “Notwithstanding the bad weather, the match went ahead.”

prep

In spite of; despite.

"Notwithstanding the bad weather, the match went ahead."

adv

Nevertheless; all the same.

"The risks were high; they proceeded notwithstanding."

How to Use Notwithstanding

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA formal way of saying "despite" or "even so."

When to use it

Fairly formal or legal in tone — "despite" is more natural in everyday speech.

Common pairings

notwithstanding the fact that law notwithstanding

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_____ the bad weather, the match went ahead.

Etymology

From Middle English notwithstandinge, a fusion of not + withstanding, literally "not standing against it."

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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still however yet nevertheless nonetheless withal even so all the same

Related Words

but still however yet though therefore anyway eventually

Rhymes for notwithstanding

landing handing sanding standing branding demanding upstanding commanding outstanding understanding grandstanding misunderstanding

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “notwithstanding” mean?

The word “notwithstanding” means in spite of; despite. In plain terms, a formal way of saying "despite" or "even so.".

How do you pronounce “notwithstanding”?

“Notwithstanding” is pronounced not-wihth-STAN-dihng (/ˌnɑtwɪθˈstændɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “notwithstanding” in a sentence?

Here is “notwithstanding” used in a sentence: “Notwithstanding the bad weather, the match went ahead.”

What part of speech is “notwithstanding”?

Depending on how it is used, “notwithstanding” can be a preposition and an adverb.

Where does the word “notwithstanding” come from?

The word “notwithstanding” comes from Middle English. From Middle English notwithstandinge, a fusion of not + withstanding, literally "not standing against it.".

Is “notwithstanding” a common word?

“Notwithstanding” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “notwithstanding” have?

“Notwithstanding” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in spite of; despite.

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