こととて (koto-tote): Because; given that
～こととて (koto-tote)
Meaning
Because; given that
Formation and usage
plain clause + こととて; Nの／な-adjective な + こととて
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
An old-fashioned, formal explanation of circumstances, often asking for understanding.
Examples
初めての会議のこととて、不手際もあったかと存じます。
As this was our first time holding the meeting, there may have been shortcomings.
初めての試験のこととて、不手際もあったかと存じます。
As this was our first time holding the exam, there may have been shortcomings.
初めての研修のこととて、不手際もあったかと存じます。
As this was our first time holding the training session, there may have been shortcomings.
初めての発表会のこととて、不手際もあったかと存じます。
As this was our first time holding the presentation event, there may have been shortcomings.
初めての面接のこととて、不手際もあったかと存じます。
As this was our first time holding the interview, there may have been shortcomings.
How related patterns differ
せいで attributes a bad result to a cause; あまり makes excess the cause. ものだから often explains an excuse; とあって gives a special actual circumstance. ゆえに and こととて are literary; ばこそ singles out the very reason.