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

That note of solidarity has persisted despite wider tensions.

From BBC

Nepal's Election Commission has said it is ready to hold the polls as planned despite concerns over weather conditions, as many high-altitude areas may be snowbound that early in the year.

From Barron's

But despite plans for large-scale infrastructure and grand ambitions for innovation, experts say the country still has a long way to go before it can rival the United States and China.

From Barron's

Many countries are planning similar moves, despite a warning from US Vice President JD Vance last year against "excessive regulation" that could stifle innovation.

From Barron's

Japan’s economy returned to growth in the final quarter of 2025 despite the hit from U.S. tariffs, giving the central bank room to keep raising interest rates.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• in spite of
• regardless of