Notwithstanding
Notwithstanding

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1. \Not`with*stand"ing\, prep.
   Without prevention, or obstruction from or by; in spite of.
         We gentil women bee Loth to displease any wight,
         Notwithstanding our great right.         --Chaucer's
                                                  Dream.
         Those on whom Christ bestowed miraculous cures were so
         transported that their gratitude made them,
         notwithstanding his prohibition, proclaim the wonders
         he had done.                             --Dr. H. More.
   Note: Notwithstanding was, by Johnson and Webster, viewed as
         a participle absolute, an English equivalent of the
         Latin non obstante. Its several meanings, either as
         preposition, adverb, or conjunction, are capable of
         being explained in this view. Later grammarians, while
         admitting that the word was originally a participle,
         and can be treated as such, prefer to class it as a
         preposition or disjunctive conjunction.
   Syn: In spite of; despite.
   Usage: {Notwithstanding}, {In spite of}, {Despite}. These
          words and phrases are often interchanged, but there is
          a difference between them, chiefly in strength.
          Notwithstanding is the weaker term, and simply points
          to some obstacle that may exist; as, I shall go,
          notwithstanding the rain. In spite or despite of has
          reference primarily to active opposition to be
          encountered from others; as, ``I'll be, in man's
          despite, a monarch; '' ``I'll keep mine own, despite
          of all the world.'' --Shak. Hence, these words, when
          applied to things, suppose greater opposition than
          notwithstanding. We should say. ''He was thrust rudely
          out of doors in spite of his entreaties,'' rather than
          ``notwithstanding''. On the other hand, it would be
          more civil to say, ``Notwithstanding all you have
          said, I must still differ with you.''
   

2. \Not`with*stand"ing\, adv. or conj. [Originally
   the participle of withstand, with not prefixed.]
   Nevertheless; however; although; as, I shall go,
   notwithstanding it rains.
         I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give
         it to thy servant. Notwithstanding, in thy days I will
         not do it.                               --1 Kings xi.
                                                  11, 12.
         They which honor the law as an image of the wisdom of
         God himself, are, notwithstanding, to know that the
         same had an end in Christ.               --Hooker.
         You did wisely and honestly too, notwithstanding She is
         the greatest beauty in the parish.       --Fielding.
   {Notwithstanding that}, notwithstanding; although.
            These days were ages to him, notwithstanding that he
            was basking in the smiles of the pretty Mary. --W.
                                                  Irving.