✅  Despite introduces something that is an active opposition to an outcome (We got home on time despite the road closures).

✅  Notwithstanding suggests that something has met with a hindrance (Notwithstanding their hours of practice, they lost the game).

✅  Both words mean to overcome an obstacle in order to do something, and they’re used interchangeably, although despite is much more frequent.

✅  Despite is only placed at the start of a clause, before its object (Despite his lack of sleep, he managed to pass the exam), whereas notwithstanding is more flexible, and is often placed at the end of a clause (My broken leg notwithstanding, I'm feeling great).

Despite your busy schedule, take some time for these synonyms for notwithstanding.

✅  Mysterious is the best word to describe something unknown, strange, or puzzling (a mysterious letter).

✅  Inscrutable is best to describe something that can’t be understood, made sense of, or interpreted (inscrutable decision), and is generally limited to expressions, gestures, statements, and meanings.

↔️  When describing facial expressions, these synonyms can be used interchangeably (a mysterious look; an inscrutable smile), but mysterious sparks curiosity or awe, while inscrutable implies that something is so impenetrable it can’t be figured out at all.

Unlock the secrets of these inscrutable synonyms!

✅  Try and attempt are often used interchangeably, but try is the more general word for putting in effort toward accomplishing a goal (try to finish the book).

✅  Attempt often suggests a stronger effort or a more serious goal (attempt to run a marathon) and that failure is likely or even expected (The contestant will attempt to make a perfect soufflé).

✅  Try can be used on its own or with another verb (I’ll try; I’ll try to change her mind), but attempt always has either an object or another verb following it (I’ll attempt the climb; I’ll attempt to change the tire).

Try using the word attempt in a paragraph describing your goals, with the help of Grammar Coach.