Word
notwithstanding
Phoneticsnot·with·stand·ing, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌnɑtwɪθˈstændɪŋ/
UK/nˌɒtwɪðstˈændɪŋ/
Definitions
01despite
C1 · Advanced Formal · Academic
prep. you use this to say that something is true even though there is a problem or obstacle.
prep. functioning as a preposition meaning 'in spite of' or 'despite'.
“Notwithstanding the heavy rain, the outdoor concert continued as planned.”
“Notwithstanding the initial technical difficulties, the research team successfully completed the data collection phase ahead of the original schedule.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun phrase it governs, though it can also follow it.
Synonyms
02following a noun
C1 · Advanced Formal · Academic
prep. this is the same as 'despite', but it comes after the noun instead of before it.
prep. functioning as a postposition; the word follows the noun phrase it modifies while retaining the meaning of 'despite'.
“The small size of the room notwithstanding, it felt very comfortable.”
“The legal complexities notwithstanding, the two companies reached a settlement that satisfied both boards of directors.”
Usage
In this postpositional use, the word follows the noun phrase it refers to.
Synonyms
03nevertheless
C1 · Advanced Formal · Academic
adv. you use this to mean 'anyway' or 'in spite of what was just said'.
adv. functioning as a conjunctive adverb meaning 'nevertheless' or 'all the same'.
“The evidence was weak; notwithstanding, the jury found him guilty.”
“The budget was severely limited; notwithstanding, the architect managed to create a building of significant aesthetic merit.”
Usage
Typically used to transition between two independent clauses.
Synonyms
04although
C1 · Advanced Formal · Academic
conj. you use this to connect two parts of a sentence when the second part is surprising.
conj. functioning as a subordinating conjunction meaning 'although' or 'even though'.
“He decided to buy the car, notwithstanding that it was very expensive.”
“The policy was implemented immediately, notwithstanding that several committee members had expressed strong reservations during the final vote.”
Usage
Usually followed by a 'that' clause.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Notwithstanding "serious failures" in the process that led to the killings, "the decisions of the commanders did not raise reasonable suspicion of criminal misconduct," the IDF said.” “Notwithstanding his patrician accent (he once joked that he sounds as if “I’ve been colonised by my own voice”), Shah is no stranger to low confidence.” Etymology
From Middle English notwithstandinge, notwithstondyng, natwithstandyng, equivalent to not + withstanding. Compare Middle English notgainstonding, not aȝenstondynge, of similar meaning and formation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/notwithstanding