How to pronounce notwithstanding
Say it like nah-twith-STAN-ding. Notwithstanding has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (STAN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce notwithstanding. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- nah
- twith
- STAN
- ding
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Notwithstanding pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- nahGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- twithKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- STANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- dingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of notwithstanding
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: not-with-STAN-ding.
What does notwithstanding mean?
- Nevertheless, all the same.“He, notwithstanding, persisted in his inquiries.”
- Although; despite the fact that; even though.“Notwithstanding I was provoked, I ought not to have reacted so violently.”
- In spite of, despite.“Notwithstanding personal preferences, the school district's rules on the topic govern our decision.”
Where does notwithstanding come from?
From Middle English notwithstandinge, notwithstondyng, natwithstandyng, equivalent to not + withstanding.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with notwithstanding
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of notwithstanding.
Questions about saying notwithstanding
How do you pronounce notwithstanding?
Say nah-twith-STAN-ding. The American pronunciation is /ˌnɑtwɪθˈstændɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˌnɒtwɪðˈstændɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in notwithstanding?
Notwithstanding has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (STAN). Broken into parts: nah · twith · STAN · ding.
Is notwithstanding pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˌnɒtwɪðˈstændɪŋ/ (not-with-STAN-ding).