How to Use "Notwithstanding" in English and Legal Sentences
Understanding the notwithstanding meaning is important for students, especially in formal writing and legal contexts. This page covers its definition, practical usage in English and law, translations in Hindi and Urdu, sample sentences, synonyms, and common mistakes. Students will gain the confidence to use "notwithstanding" correctly in schoolwork and beyond.
What Notwithstanding meaning Means in English
Definition: Notwithstanding means “in spite of” or “despite.” It is a formal word used to show an action or fact happens even if there are rules, obstacles, or conditions against it. In English, it appears in both everyday and legal writing. It can act as a preposition, conjunction, or adverb, but always shows a contrast or exception.
How to Use Notwithstanding meaning in Sentences
1. Preposition: "Notwithstanding the heavy rain, the match continued."
2. Conjunction: "Notwithstanding she was tired, she finished her homework."
3. Adverb (rare): "He was ill; he went to school, notwithstanding."
These sentences show that "notwithstanding" introduces something unexpected or contrary to what might be assumed.
Common Mistakes and Quick Fix
- Using "notwithstanding" and "nevertheless" as exact synonyms—remember, "notwithstanding" means "in spite of", usually before its object, while "nevertheless" links two statements.
- Placing it at the wrong spot—test by using "in spite of".
Correct: "Notwithstanding the delay, students arrived on time."
Incorrect: "The delay, students arrived on time notwithstanding." (awkward in modern use)
Explore more English meanings and examples
Synonyms and Translations Table
| Language | Translation | Synonyms |
|---|---|---|
| English | Notwithstanding | In spite of, despite, although, even though |
| Hindi | के बावजूद (ke bawjud) | इसके बावजूद |
| Urdu | باوجود (bawujud) | اگرچہ (agarche) |
| Bengali | সত্ত্বেও (sattveo) | তবুও |
Notwithstanding meaning in Law and Contracts
In legal language, "notwithstanding" introduces a statement that takes priority over previous rules or clauses. For example, “Notwithstanding anything contained herein, the employee may resign with one month’s notice.” This means this condition overrides other terms in the document.
Notwithstanding meaning in the Bible and Literature
In biblical texts or classical literature, "notwithstanding" is used like "nevertheless" or "however," often to show a turning point or exception. Example: "Notwithstanding the warnings, he continued his journey." This is less common in modern everyday English but still appears in formal documents.
Quotes & Facts
Oxford English Dictionary: "Notwithstanding: preposition/conjunction meaning 'in spite of; despite'."
Black’s Law Dictionary (2025): "A clause marked ‘notwithstanding’ overrides all conflicting rules in that section."
"Cole Collins: 'Notwithstanding is formal, but essential in legal and academic English.'"
Usage Note: "'Notwithstanding anything to the contrary' is a common phrase in contracts that sets an overriding rule."
Cambridge Dictionary: "'Notwithstanding' is used to introduce a statement that makes what you just said seem less true."
Sample Essays and Usage Blocks
150-word Essay: Notwithstanding in English Writing
The word notwithstanding is a formal way to express contrast or exception. Students use it mainly in essays, reports, or legal writing. For example, “Notwithstanding her young age, she showed great leadership.” This means despite her age, she was a good leader. In law, the term helps clarify which clause or rule is strongest, like “Notwithstanding anything written herein.” It is important to use “notwithstanding” correctly, especially before nouns or clauses. Using it wrongly makes writing awkward or hard to understand. Synonyms include “in spite of” and “despite.” For better academic results, students should learn the notwithstanding meaning with examples and practice often.
250-word Essay: Notwithstanding meaning in Law and Daily Use
The term notwithstanding plays a vital role in English, especially in formal and legal contexts. Its primary function is to show that one fact or condition does not prevent another from happening. In law and contracts, "notwithstanding" gives a statement or clause the authority to override any other conflicting statements. For instance, “Notwithstanding anything stated previously, this rule will apply in all cases,” makes it clear that this rule is the one to follow, no matter what earlier sections may say. In school essays, you may write, “Notwithstanding the difficulties, the team succeeded.” This means difficulties did not stop them. Mistakes often happen when students mix this word up with "nevertheless" or "although." Practicing example sentences, understanding its role in law, and knowing synonyms like "in spite of" helps master "notwithstanding" for both exams and real life. Mastery ensures your writing is clear, precise, and professional.
500-word Report: Detailed Analysis of Notwithstanding meaning
Students often encounter the word notwithstanding in textbooks, exams, and even legal documents. The notwithstanding meaning is straightforward but requires careful attention. Used as a preposition, it means “in spite of,” and introduces a surprising or unexpected outcome. For example, “Notwithstanding the warnings, the climbers continued their journey.” In legal documents, it is even more important. Clauses starting with “notwithstanding” make sure that the rule stated takes priority over all others. For instance, “Notwithstanding anything contained herein, party A has the right to terminate.” This means no other rule in the document can overrule this one.
Translations are often asked for in Hindi (“के बावजूद”), Urdu (“باوجود”), and Bengali (“সত্ত্বেও”). Synonyms for "notwithstanding" include “despite,” “in spite of,” and “even though.” Antonyms are “because of” and “due to.”
Common mistakes happen when students use "notwithstanding" and "nevertheless" interchangeably, or place "notwithstanding" in the wrong part of a sentence. To avoid errors, always check if “in spite of” can replace it.
In summary, knowing the notwithstanding meaning helps students read contracts, understand academic texts, and write better essays. Practice using the word in different contexts, learn its legal application, and compare it with similar words to strengthen your English. Vedantu offers many more English concept explanations to boost your language skills for 2025 and beyond.
Short Example Sentences
Notwithstanding the heat, the children played cricket outside.
Notwithstanding his late start, he finished his homework.
The law will apply, notwithstanding any earlier agreement.
This page has clearly explained the notwithstanding meaning for students, including its definition, usage, legal role, translations, and synonyms. Understanding this formal word will help in reading contracts, writing essays, and handling advanced English materials. Use "notwithstanding" confidently to express contrast both in daily communication and academic assignments. For more guidance, Vedantu continues to provide trusted English resources.
FAQs on Notwithstanding Meaning: Easy Definition, Legal Use & Examples for Students
1. What does the word “notwithstanding” mean in simple English?
Notwithstanding means “in spite of” or “despite anything to the contrary.” It shows that something happens even though there are challenges, rules, or obstacles. For example, "Notwithstanding the heavy rain, the match continued."
2. What does it mean to say “notwithstanding”?
To say notwithstanding means to indicate that something happens regardless of other factors or conditions. It is often used to highlight exceptions or to show that a rule does not prevent a specific action.
3. How is “notwithstanding” used in legal documents or contracts?
In legal documents, notwithstanding introduces clauses that override or take priority over other sections. Common uses in law and contracts include:
- Creating exceptions to existing rules or agreements
- Overriding previous statements (“Notwithstanding anything to the contrary...”)
- Emphasizing certain terms that should apply even if other parts suggest otherwise
4. What is the difference between “notwithstanding” and “nevertheless”?
Notwithstanding is used as a preposition to mean “in spite of,” while nevertheless is an adverb meaning “however” or “even so”.
- Notwithstanding works like “despite” in a sentence.
- Nevertheless is used to link two statements and highlight contrast.
- Example: "Notwithstanding his illness, he went to school." vs "He was sick; nevertheless, he went to school."
5. Can you give an example sentence with “notwithstanding”?
Yes, here is an example:
“Notwithstanding the late hour, she continued to study for her exams.” This means she kept studying in spite of it being late.
6. When should I use notwithstanding in a sentence?
Use notwithstanding to show that one fact or event does not prevent the action or outcome.
- When you want to mean “in spite of”
- To highlight exceptions
- In formal, academic, or legal writing
7. What are the synonyms of “notwithstanding”?
Common synonyms for notwithstanding include:
- despite
- in spite of
- although
- even though
- nevertheless
- however
8. How do you say “notwithstanding” in Hindi and Urdu?
The word notwithstanding is translated as:
- Hindi: इसके बावजूद (iske bawajood)
- Urdu: باوجود (bawajood)
9. What does “notwithstanding anything contained herein” mean in legal terms?
In legal language, “notwithstanding anything contained herein” means that a specific clause or rule will apply even if other parts of the contract say something different. It acts as an exception or override clause.
10. Notwithstanding meaning in the Bible – what does it refer to?
In the Bible, notwithstanding has the same meaning: “in spite of” or “even so.” It is often used in older translations to indicate that something takes place regardless of earlier statements or conditions.
