notwithstanding
UK[ˌnɒtwɪθˈstændɪŋ]US[ˌnɑːtwɪθˈstændɪŋ]
prep
in spite of
adv
in spite of that; nevertheless
conj
although
Morpheme Breakdown
not
with
standing
not
not
with
against, opposite, toward
standing
to stand
Etymology
the word "notwithstanding" is a compound formed from three english elements: "not", "with", and "standing". its literal, word-for-word construction means "not standing against" or "not opposing". this phrase originated in middle english as a participial construction, where "notwithstanding" functioned as an absolute participle meaning "not hindering or preventing". over time, this concrete sense of "not being an obstacle" evolved into the modern, more abstract prepositional and adverbial meanings of "in spite of" or "nevertheless". the logic of the word beautifully preserves the idea of one thing failing to stand in the way of another, transitioning from a physical to a figurative barrier.
Analysis
Structure: not + with + standing
- not: from old english 'nāt', 'nōt', meaning "not". a negative particle.
- with: from old english 'wiþ', meaning "against, opposite, toward". a preposition indicating opposition.
- standing: from old english 'standan', meaning "to stand". the present participle form, implying a state of being or enduring.
Examples
notwithstanding the heavy rain, the outdoor concert proceeded as scheduled.
the evidence was circumstantial; notwithstanding, the jury reached a swift verdict.
he decided to buy the car notwithstanding its high mileage.