despite
Americanpreposition
noun
-
contemptuous treatment; insult.
-
malice, hatred, or spite.
verb (used with object)
idioms
preposition
noun
-
archaic contempt; insult
-
rare (preposition) in spite of
verb
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.
Vocabulary lists containing despite
Word Generation Weekly - Series 1
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Novel Study: Lord of the Flies, Chapters 1–4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
However, sources at the club strongly reject suggestions they would prefer to avoid qualifying for lesser competitions, or be content without European football, despite their settlement with financial regulators following significant spending on transfers.
From BBC • May 16, 2026
The previous outbreak of Ebola, which has killed some 15,000 people in Africa over the past 50 years, despite advances in vaccines and treatment, was last August in the central region.
From Barron's • May 16, 2026
Saudi Arabia, despite being a major oil producer, has doubled its target to ensure 50% of its electricity generation will come from renewables by 2030.
From Salon • May 16, 2026
They found that the average cruise ship passenger had a total of 20 unique close contacts a day, despite measures on the ship in question to try to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases aboard.
From Slate • May 16, 2026
Aunt Kitty glanced over my shoulder, and I suddenly became aware of how far my voice must have traveled despite my speaking through a clenched jaw.
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
