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Despite Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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despite

[dɪˈspaɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Preposition

in spite of

without being affected by; in spite of.

Synonyms

in spite of, notwithstanding, regardless of.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
despite

Used to indicate that something happened or is true, although something might have prevented it. Often found in formal and informal contexts.

  • Despite the heavy rain, the match continued.
  • She managed to finish her work despite feeling very tired.
in spite of

Used to express that something occurred even though something else might contradict it. It has a similar meaning to 'despite' but can sound slightly more formal.

  • In spite of his nervousness, he gave a great presentation.
  • They went hiking in spite of the weather forecast.
notwithstanding

Often used in formal writing to mean 'despite'. It can be placed before or after the subject.

  • Notwithstanding the challenges, the project was a success.
  • He went for a walk, notwithstanding the cold weather.
regardless of

Indicates that something happens or is true without being affected by other events or conditions. It has a neutral tone and is often used in more general or casual contexts.

  • Regardless of the cost, we need to complete this task.
  • She will succeed regardless of the obstacles.

Examples of usage

  • Despite the bad weather, they decided to go for a picnic.
  • She went for a run despite feeling tired.
  • I managed to finish the project despite numerous obstacles.
  • Despite his illness, he continued to work hard.
  • Despite the challenges, they succeeded in their mission.
Context #2 | Noun

a feeling of contempt or disdain

contemptuous disregard; scorn.

Synonyms

contempt, disdain, scorn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
despite

Noting that 'despite' already appears, this entry is redundant.
contempt

This word is for showing a strong feeling of disapproval or that something is not worthy of respect, often used in negative contexts.

  • He experienced contempt from his peers because of his reckless behavior.
  • Her actions earned her the contempt of the entire community.
disdain

Use this to convey a sense of superiority and dislike towards something or someone. It's often more formal than 'scorn'.

  • She looked at the messy room with disdain.
  • The professor spoke with disdain about students who failed to study.
scorn

Suitable for informal contexts where there is contempt and a feeling that someone or something is worthless or despicable.

  • He spoke with scorn about the government's policies.
  • She treated his apology with utter scorn.

Examples of usage

  • He showed his despite towards her by ignoring her completely.
  • She did it with a look of despite on her face.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many famous literary works use 'despite' to create tension, illustrating characters facing adversity.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, the word often appears, highlighting conflicts between characters and circumstances.
  • Contemporary poetry frequently utilizes it to explore themes of resilience against societal pressures.

Psychology

  • 'Despite' can signify an individual's ability to push through fears or limitations, emphasizing resilience.
  • Psychologists note that understanding 'despite' can aid in motivational strategies toward achieving goals.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy sometimes uses this concept to reframe negative thought patterns into positive affirmations.

Pop Culture

  • In music, several songs feature 'despite' in lyrics, illustrating overcoming hardship or inner struggles.
  • Movies often use 'despite' in narratives, where characters lose everything but still strive for success.
  • The phrase 'despite the odds' is a common trope in sports films, symbolizing the fight against improbable challenges.

Education

  • Teachers frequently use 'despite' to encourage students to push through challenges in learning.
  • In motivational speeches, the term serves to inspire individuals to persevere in the face of adversity.
  • It plays a significant role in discussions about growth mindset, stressing that effort can yield success despite obstacles.

Origin of 'despite'

Main points about word origin

  • This word comes from the Latin word 'despectus', meaning 'look down on', showing a sense of disregard.
  • It entered the English language around the late 14th century, originally signifying 'spite' or 'hatred'.
  • Over time, its meaning shifted to express overcoming obstacles or conflict.

The word 'despite' originated from Middle English 'despit', from Old French 'despit', from Latin 'despectus', past participle of 'despicere' meaning 'to look down on'. The sense of 'contempt' is from late Middle English, while the sense of 'in spite of' is from early 17th century.

See also: spiteful, spitefully, spitefulness.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,037, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.