despite

American  

[dih-spahyt] / dɪˈspaɪt /

preposition

1. in spite of; notwithstanding.

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noun

1. contemptuous treatment; insult.

2. malice, hatred, or spite.

verb (used with object)

despited, despiting

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

idioms

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

   He was tolerant in despite of his background and education.

despite British  

/ dɪˈspaɪt /

preposition

1. in spite of; undeterred by

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noun

1. archaic contempt; insult

2. rare (preposition) in spite of

verb

1. (tr) an archaic word for spite

Related Words

See notwithstanding.

Etymology

Origin of despite

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. )

Explanation

Despite is used as a preposition when something happens even though it might have been prevented by something else. You might go see a movie despite hearing a negative review of it. Despite is just one letter away from despise, and they actually share a root: the Latin verb despicere, meaning "to look down on scornfully." Despite came to mean "contempt" or "scorn" in English, though that use as a noun has mostly dropped out of use. The phrase "in despite of" gradually got shortened to the preposition despite and lost its scornful quality. If you accomplish something despite the obstacles in your way, there's no need to feel spiteful about it.

Example Sentences

Last year, despite years of sanctions and a domestic currency crisis, Tehran sold more crude than in any year since 2018.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

At 90 minutes, the film feels rushed, touching down at different points along a timeline without ever really settling in, lending it a schematic quality despite its unerring sensitivity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

But some in the industry would argue that, despite their cultural and economic contributions, games aren't placed on the same pedestal as other creative sectors.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Oxford Economics’ Michael Pearce believes the U.S. economy will not enter stagflation despite short-term pain from the Iran conflict.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

He could probably make it, despite the swift current.

From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret

Related Words

• in spite of
• regardless of