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Using the word notwithstanding



 
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ESL Forum | English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
Large versus Big | 'a good few' = 'a good many'?
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Using the word notwithstanding #1 (permalink) Sun Aug 06, 2006 12:36 pm   Using the word notwithstanding
 

Hi

Could you characterize 'proper context(s)' for using the word notwithstanding?

With what I came across was The-Very-Formal-Text with the sentence:

(v) It is not responsible for ensuring that Members follow the terms and conditions notwithstanding these terms and conditions outline behaviour that is unacceptable on the service;

In an example from my dictionary:
Notwithstanding their lack of experience, they were an immediate success.
notwithstanding = 'despite' or 'in spite of'

and also can used in the meaning 'although' or 'regardless of'.

notwithstanding = not+with+standing
Logical. OK.

I'd like to learn this, new for me, word.
But would it sound/ look strange if I put it in informal speaking or writing?

Tamara
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Notwithstanding #2 (permalink) Sun Aug 06, 2006 12:47 pm   Notwithstanding
 

Hi Tamara,

This is a kind of rhetorical word and has a certain gravitas about it. In military descriptions you would read: Notwithstanding the serious danger in which he found himself Corporal Smith continued to stay at his post. I think it's a bit of a no-no in informal speech/writing.

Alan
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Gravitas? :) #3 (permalink) Sun Aug 06, 2006 13:25 pm   Gravitas? :)
 

Thank you, Alan.

By the way, could you explain the meaning of 'gravitas' - the word you used.
My dictionary refused to help me to understand it.

Wikipedia's explanation
Quote:
Gravitas is a Latin noun that, as a modern loanword, conveys a sense of substance or depth of personality.

In an ancient Roman context, the word gravitas communicated a sense of dignity, seriousness, and duty. Gravitas is one of the several virtues that Ancient Roman society expected men to possess, along with pietas and dignitas.

In recent years this word suddenly went into and then out of vogue with news reporters on the national level, sprinkled into every other news story.

Gravitas should not be confused with gravity, the force of attraction between masses.

is also rather vague for me, especially in the above context.
has a certain gravitas
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Gravitas? :) #4 (permalink) Sun Aug 06, 2006 15:45 pm   Gravitas? :)
 

Hi Tamara,

I think "gravitas" here is a formal word meaning "solemnity".

K
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Using the word notwithstanding #5 (permalink) Sun Aug 06, 2006 16:31 pm   Using the word notwithstanding
 

Hi Tamara

This online dictionary might also be helpful:
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/gravitas

Amy
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Gravitas #6 (permalink) Sun Aug 06, 2006 23:00 pm   Gravitas
 

Hi Tamara,

Gravitas means simply seriousness.

Alan
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Using the word notwithstanding #7 (permalink) Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:22 am   Using the word notwithstanding
 

Hi

Thank you all. Now, I hope, I've got it.
Tamara
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