Reading

Nonobstant in French: read it as despite or notwithstanding

Read a formal committee note with nonobstant, identify the obstacle and the decision, then compare malgré and ce nonobstant with reading questions.

In short

Nonobstant means “despite” or “notwithstanding” before a noun phrase: nonobstant ces réserves. It signals an obstacle that does not stop the main action. Expect it in highly formal, administrative or legal prose; malgré is the everyday alternative.

Yellow the idea to rememberBlue French to learn

An author works on manuscript pages at a desk.
The author prepares une nouvelle version. Illustration: Atelier

Formal concession in context

Note du comité de lecture

La décision

Nonobstant les réserves1 exprimées par deux membres, le comité maintient son choix. Le texte retenu présente une réelle cohérence, même si sa conclusion gagnerait à être développée. La décision a été prise à la majorité. Les objections seront jointes au compte rendu2.

La suite du travail

L’autrice recevra une demande de révision. Nonobstant son accord sur le principe, le comité souhaite obtenir une nouvelle version avant de fixer la date de publication. Cette étape permettra de préciser la conclusion et de vérifier les dernières références. Le choix du texte est confirmé ; la date reste à déterminer.

Read it in English

Despite the reservations expressed by two members, the committee is maintaining its choice. The selected text has real coherence, even if its conclusion would benefit from expansion. The decision was taken by a majority. The objections will be attached to the meeting report.

The author will receive a request for revision. Despite agreeing in principle, the committee wants a new version before setting the publication date. This step will allow the conclusion to be clarified and the final references checked. The choice of text is confirmed; the date remains to be determined.

What does nonobstant mean?

Two noun phrases, two concessions
ObstacleMain statementPlain opening
les réserves exprimées par deux membresle comité maintient son choixMalgré les réserves…
son accord sur le principele comité souhaite obtenir une nouvelle versionMalgré son accord sur le principe…

In the second row, son accord is the committee’s agreement. Agreement in principle and a request for revision coexist. The first row likewise keeps both facts: objections were raised, and the committee maintained its choice.

A related expression: ce nonobstant

Deux membres ont exprimé des réserves. Ce nonobstant, le choix est maintenu.

Two members expressed reservations. Nevertheless, the choice is maintained.

Ce nonobstant refers back to the previous statement. It works like a formal “nevertheless”. Before a following noun phrase, use nonobstant ces réserves; as a link back to a complete statement, recognise ce nonobstant.

Question 1No account needed
What happened despite the two objections?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

The committee kept its choice.. The text says le comité maintient son choix. The objections remain on record.

Question 2No account needed
What is still undecided?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

The publication date.. The final sentence confirms the choice and leaves the date to be determined.

Question 3No account needed
Choose the plainer opening with the same noun phrase.

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Malgré les réserves…. Malgré preserves the concession: the reservations did not prevent the choice.

Question 4No account needed
What does Ce nonobstant link back to?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

The previously stated objections.. The expression means “nevertheless” and refers back to the reservations.