Notwithstanding

Notwithstanding

Preposition / Adverb / Conjunction · /ˌnɒt.wɪðˈstæn.dɪŋ/

Definition

(Preposition) in spite of; despite: notwithstanding the rain, the match proceeded. (Adverb) nevertheless; in spite of this: there were difficulties; notwithstanding, progress was made. (Conjunction, formal) although; even though: notwithstanding that the evidence was weak, the case proceeded.

Origin

From not + withstanding, the present participle of withstand (to resist, to stand firm against: from Old English wiþstandan, from wiþ (against) + standan (to stand)). The compound therefore meaning not withstanding — not being withstood by — not being resisted or stopped by. The word appearing in Middle English as a calque of Latin non obstante (not standing in the way: ablative absolute construction used in legal documents). The phrase non obstante remaining in legal English alongside notwithstanding — both meaning in spite of, despite.