Notwithstanding
/ˌnɒtwɪθˈstændɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsDespite the fact or thing mentioned; in spite of.
/ˌnɒtwɪθˈstændɪŋ/
In spite of; despite
Notwithstanding the rain, the picnic went ahead.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're really hungry, but you decide to finish your homework first, notwithstanding your hunger. It means even though you're hungry, you still do the homework!
👶 For kids: Even though something else is true, this is still what's happening.
More Examples
Notwithstanding her lack of experience, she was hired.
The company’s profits increased, notwithstanding the economic downturn.
How It's Used
"Notwithstanding the evidence presented, the defendant maintained his innocence."
"Notwithstanding previous agreements, the contract was amended."
Although; even though.
/ˌnɒtwɪθˈstændɪŋ/
Notwithstanding that it was late, they decided to stay a while longer.
💡 Simply: It's like saying 'even though', but in a more formal way. For example, notwithstanding that it's raining, we're still going outside. It means, even though it's raining, we're going!
👶 For kids: Even if something seems like it shouldn't happen, it does anyway.
More Examples
Notwithstanding that it was difficult, she persisted.
Notwithstanding that he had a cold, he went to work.
How It's Used
"Notwithstanding that he was tired, he continued working."
Idioms & expressions
Not withstanding the above
Despite the statements or points previously mentioned.
"Not withstanding the above, the contract is still in effect."
From Middle English nothwithstanding, equivalent to not + withstanding. "Withstand" comes from Old English wiþstandan ("to stand against"). The "not" indicates an exception or contradiction.
Used since the Middle Ages in legal and formal writing to introduce a condition or exception.
Memory tip
Think of it as a mental "blocker" - you're acknowledging something but moving forward anyway.