despite

[ dih-spahyt ]

preposition

1. in spite of; notwithstanding.

noun

1. contemptuous treatment; insult.
2. malice, hatred, or spite.

verb (used with object)

, de·spit·ed, de·spit·ing.

1. Obsolete. to anger or annoy (someone) out of spite.

despite

/ dɪˈspaɪt /

preposition

1. in spite of; undeterred by

noun

1. archaic.
   contempt; insult
2. in despite of rare.
   preposition in spite of

verb

1. tr an archaic word for spite

Word History and Origins

Origin of despite¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; originally in despite of; Middle English despit, from Old French, from Latin dēspectus “view from a height, scorn,” originally past participle of dēspicere; despicable ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of despite¹

C13: from Old French despit, from Latin dēspectus contempt; see despise

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in despite of, in spite of; notwithstanding:

   He was tolerant in despite of his background and education.

Synonym Study

See notwithstanding.

Example Sentences

This difference is despite seven decades of affirmative action, India's caste system - a four-fold hierarchy of the Hindu religion - remains deeply entrenched.

From BBC

Staff say the area has become dangerous and intimidating, and that despite reporting thefts to police on an almost daily basis, nothing has been done.

From BBC

The UN’s climate talks have made significant progress in recent years, despite the fact that unanimous agreement is needed among almost 200 countries to take action.

From BBC

The son of Irish immigrants who still sounds like he never left Boston despite spending more than 40 years in Southern California, McDonnell previously served as L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Austin Reaves, who starred in the final a year ago despite an illness, said he agrees with Redick.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• in spite of
• regardless of