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. )

Example Sentences

But despite having been contacted by Kennedy surrogates before Trump’s second inauguration, he’s not heard from them since.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

And despite recent news reports about challenges to the private-credit industry, we aren’t talking about that either.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Everton, who were twice sanctioned for breaches of PSR, cashed in on Anthony Gordon in January 2023 despite being in the thick of a relegation battle.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Wall Street forecasts S&P 500 earnings growth of 14% for Q1 and 18% for the full year, despite inflation and high oil prices.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

I tried to walk normally despite the thrill that ran down my spine.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Related Words

• in spite of
• regardless of