notwithstanding
notwithstanding — preposition
1. used before a noun phrase to say that something remains true or happens even whe
used before a noun phrase to say that something remains true or happens even when a fact, problem, or objection could have stopped it
Notwithstanding the late hour, Eleni stayed to finish the budget notes.
notwithstanding + noun phrase before the main clause
The team kept hiking, notwithstanding the icy path above the village.
Notwithstanding several protests, Hui signed the housing plan on Friday.
Rodrigo accepted the role, notwithstanding his doubts about the long tour.
- despite
the closest everyday equivalent and much more common in speech
- in spite of
same basic meaning but slightly longer and often a little more emphatic
- regardless of
can suggest acting without caring about the obstacle, not just in contrast to it
文法句型
notwithstanding + noun phrase
main clause + notwithstanding + noun phrase
用法筆記
Follow it with a noun phrase, not a full clause. This sense is common in legal, official, and formal written English, where it often replaces the more everyday 'despite' or 'in spite of'.
常見錯誤
notwithstanding — conjunction
1. used before a full clause to introduce a fact that might argue against the main
used before a full clause to introduce a fact that might argue against the main statement but does not change it
Notwithstanding that the train was crowded, Diya found a seat near the door.
notwithstanding that + clause
Jude smiled calmly, notwithstanding he had slept only three hours.
main clause + notwithstanding + clause
Notwithstanding the road looked empty, Emre drove through the fog slowly.
The cafe stayed busy, notwithstanding that the rain flooded the sidewalk.
- although
the normal everyday word for the same clause pattern
- even though
often sounds more emphatic and conversational than 'notwithstanding'
- while
can introduce a contrast too, but often sounds lighter and less formal
文法句型
notwithstanding + clause
notwithstanding that + clause
用法筆記
This sense introduces a full clause, with or without 'that'. It sounds more formal and literary than ordinary 'although', and many speakers avoid it in casual conversation.
常見錯誤
notwithstanding — adverb
1. used to say that the point just mentioned does not change what happens next or w
used to say that the point just mentioned does not change what happens next or what is still true
The rental cost rose sharply; Gabriel renewed the lease notwithstanding.
clause-final notwithstanding meaning nevertheless
The map was unclear; Iris reached the hill temple notwithstanding.
Many parents complained, but the school fair opened on time notwithstanding.
The board heard every objection and approved the clinic plan notwithstanding.
- nevertheless
the closest modern equivalent and more common in general writing
- even so
more conversational and often slightly more direct
- still
shorter and less formal, especially in speech
文法句型
clause + notwithstanding
noun phrase + notwithstanding
用法筆記
This adverb usually comes after the statement it comments on, often at the end of the clause. It is much more formal than everyday 'nevertheless' or 'even so' and appears most often in legal or official styles.