/ ˌnɒtwɪθˈstændɪŋ; -wɪð-; NAmE ˌnɑːt-/ preposition , adverb
■ preposition
( formal ) (also used following the noun it refers to) without being affected by sth; despite sth :
Notwithstanding some major financial problems, the school has had a successful year.
The bad weather notwithstanding, the event was a great success.
■ adverb
( formal ) despite this
SYN however , nevertheless :
Notwithstanding, the problem is a significant one.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from not + withstanding , present participle of withstand , on the pattern of Old French non obstant not providing an obstacle to.