notwithstanding
Preposition:
- In spite of; despite: Used to introduce a fact that makes something else surprising or unexpected. It indicates that the following statement is true even though there is something that might seem to contradict it.
Adverb:
- Nevertheless; however; all the same: Used to modify a clause, indicating that the statement is true despite a fact or situation just mentioned.
Conjunction (archaic):
- Although; even though: Used to introduce a subordinate clause that expresses a concession. This usage is now rare in modern English.
Preposition: Notwithstanding the heavy rain, the match continued as scheduled. She decided to buy the car, notwithstanding its high price.
Adverb: The evidence against him was strong; the jury acquitted him, notwithstanding. He had little experience. He got the job, notwithstanding.
Conjunction (archaic): Notwithstanding that he was warned, he proceeded with the risky plan.
Legal and Formal Contexts: "Notwithstanding" is frequently used in legal, official, and formal writing to create exceptions or to emphasize that a provision overrides others.
- Notwithstanding any other clause in this agreement, Party A retains the right to terminate.
- Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following conditions shall apply.
Position in a Sentence: As a preposition, "notwithstanding" can precede or follow its object, though preceding is more common. As an adverb, it typically comes at the end of a clause.
- Notwithstanding his apology, she was still angry. (Preposition, common)
- His apology notwithstanding, she was still angry. (Preposition, less common, more formal)
- His apology was insufficient. She forgave him, notwithstanding. (Adverb)
- Despite (preposition): A more common synonym for "notwithstanding" as a preposition.
- In spite of (preposition): A common two-word synonym.
- Nevertheless (adverb): A common synonym for "notwithstanding" as an adverb.
- However (adverb): A common synonym indicating contrast.
- Yet (adverb/conjunction): Can be used to introduce a contrasting idea.
- Preposition: Despite, in spite of, regardless of.
- Adverb: Nevertheless, nonetheless, however, still, all the same, even so.
- "Notwithstanding the fact that...": A formal phrase used to introduce a concessive clause, similar to "although."
- Notwithstanding the fact that funds are low, the project will proceed.
- "Anything to the contrary notwithstanding": A legalistic phrase meaning "despite any other conflicting information or rules."
- All previous agreements are hereby void, anything to the contrary notwithstanding.
- despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession)
- although I'm a little afraid, however I'd like to try it
- while we disliked each other, nevertheless we agreed
- he was a stern yet fair master
- granted that it is dangerous, all the same I still want to go