Definition of: notwithstanding

(not′with·stan′ding, -with-) adverb
All the same; nevertheless: Though imprisoned, he escaped notwithstanding.
—prep. In spite of: He left notwithstanding your orders.
—conj. In spite of the fact that; although. Synonym (prep.): despite. Notwithstanding simply states that circumstances shall not be or have not been allowed to withstand; despite refers primarily to personal and perhaps spiteful opposition; as, he failed notwithstanding his good intentions; or, he persevered despite bitter hostility. Synonyms (conj.): although, but, howbeit, however, nevertheless, still, though, yet. However simply waives discussion and (like the archaic howbeit) says, “be that as it may, this is true”; nevertheless concedes the truth of what precedes, but claims that what follows is none the less true; notwithstanding marshals the two statements face to face, admits the one and its seeming contradiction to the other, while insisting that it cannot, after all, withstand the other. Yet and still are weaker than notwithstanding, while stronger than but. Though and although make as little as possible of the concession, dropping it, as it were, incidentally; as, “though we are guilty, thou art good”; to say “we are guilty, but thou art good,” would make the concession of guilt more emphatic. See BUT¹.