nonobstant

fr
en
Change language
Translating...
notwithstanding, despite, nevertheless, nonetheless
Find language
العربية الفصحى
Arabic (Standard)
Deutsch
German
Español
Spanish
Français
French
Italiano
Italian
/nɔ.nɔp.stɑ̃/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
A formal signal that an obstacle does not prevent what follows.
Practice using nonobstant in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Nonobstant son refus, la réunion s'est tenue.
    Despite his refusal, the meeting took place.
  • On le lui avait déconseillé ; nonobstant, il a insisté.
    He had been advised against it; nevertheless, he insisted.
  • La route était fermée ; nonobstant, ils ont poursuivi à pied.
    The road was closed; nevertheless, they continued on foot.
  • Nonobstant les objections, le contrat reste valable.
    Despite the objections, the contract remains valid.
  • La tâche semblait impossible ; elle l'a nonobstant menée à bien.
    The task seemed impossible; she nevertheless completed it.

Similar words

cependant
en dépit denéanmoins
sans égard à
malgré
toutefois

Meanings

Despite an obstacle

preposition
law
formal
Despite something that might otherwise prevent or change what follows, especially in legal writing.

Examples

  • Nonobstant les objections, le contrat reste valable.
    Despite the objections, the contract remains valid.
  • La mesure s'applique nonobstant toute disposition contraire.
    The measure applies notwithstanding any provision to the contrary.
  • Ils ont poursuivi les travaux nonobstant la pluie.
    They continued the work despite the rain.
  • Le recours est recevable nonobstant le délai habituel.
    The appeal is admissible notwithstanding the usual deadline.
  • Nonobstant son refus, la réunion s'est tenue.
    Despite his refusal, the meeting took place.

Similar words

malgré
en dépit de
sans égard à

Nevertheless

adverb
writing
literary
Introduces a statement that still holds despite what has just been said.

Examples

  • La route était fermée ; nonobstant, ils ont poursuivi à pied.
    The road was closed; nevertheless, they continued on foot.
  • Il avait peu de moyens. Nonobstant, son projet a abouti.
    He had few resources. Nevertheless, his project succeeded.
  • La tâche semblait impossible ; elle l'a nonobstant menée à bien.
    The task seemed impossible; she nevertheless completed it.
  • On le lui avait déconseillé ; nonobstant, il a insisté.
    He had been advised against it; nevertheless, he insisted.
  • Le plan était risqué. Elle l'a nonobstant accepté.
    The plan was risky. She nonetheless accepted it.

Similar words

néanmoins
cependant
toutefois

Etymology

Built from non and Old French obstant, from Latin obstans, “standing in the way”.

FAQ

What does nonobstant mean?

“Despite” before a noun, or “nevertheless” between statements.

Is nonobstant used in law?

Yes, it is common in formal legal provisions.

Can it stand alone?

Yes, as a literary adverb meaning “nevertheless”.

Is it used in casual speech?

Rarely. It sounds formal or literary.

What follows the preposition?

A noun phrase, as in nonobstant les objections.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...