notwithstanding

¹not·with·stand·ing

prep \ˌnät-with-ˈstan-diŋ, -with-\

Definition of NOTWITHSTANDING

: despite <notwithstanding their inexperience, they were an immediate success> —often used after its object <the motion passed, our objection notwithstanding>

Examples of NOTWITHSTANDING

1. <we went to see the show, my objections notwithstanding>
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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

Origin of NOTWITHSTANDING

Middle English notwithstonding, from not + withstonding, present participle of withstonden to withstand

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to NOTWITHSTANDING

Synonyms: despite, regardless of, with

Rhymes with NOTWITHSTANDING

belly landing, mind-expanding, pancake landing, three-point landing, understanding