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; see 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

Earnings expectations are moving higher, despite the oil price shock, and analysts’ guidance is actually lagging that of corporates, suggesting further upside to estimates.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

Chief Executive Stephen Schwarzman said Blackstone delivered outstanding first-quarter results despite the turbulent environment, highlighted by almost $70 billion of inflows and positive appreciation across nearly all of its flagship strategies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

The peer was given security clearance for the role of UK ambassador to the US, despite concerns being raised by vetting officials.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

“Strong earnings helped U.S. equities remain resilient yesterday despite signs of re‑escalation in the Gulf,” said ING’s FX strategist Francesco Pesole.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

It was a whole day’s travel and they arrived exhausted, the parents trying to console their children despite the dread in their own hearts.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

Related Words

• in spite of
• regardless of