despite

[dih-spahyt]

preposition

1. in spite of; notwithstanding.

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.

despite

/ dɪˈspaɪt /

preposition

1. in spite of; undeterred by

noun

1. archaic,  contempt; insult

2. rare,  (preposition) in spite of

verb

1. (tr) an archaic word for spite

Word History and Origins

Origin of despite¹

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. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of despite¹

C13: from Old French despit, from Latin dēspectus contempt; see _despise

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in despite of, in spite of; notwithstanding.

   He was tolerant in despite of his background and education.

Synonym Study

See notwithstanding.

Example Sentences

So maybe it’s perversely apt that the Broadway revival of the musical “Chess” should feel eye-glazingly interminable, despite a cast of thrillingly good singers in top form.

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Geely Automobile 175 -1.08%decrease; red down pointing triangle reported stronger earnings in the third quarter, thanks to the Chinese auto giant’s robust performance despite stiff competition in its home market.

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“This majority means that a lot of people want Hamas to continue to have arms despite the fact that they don’t support Hamas,” Shikaki said.

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Several diplomats told AFP that despite Russian criticism and hesitance on the part of other member states, they expect the US draft to be adopted.

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The Greenpeace environment group said Sunday that France was sending reprocessed uranium to Russia for treatment so it can be reused, despite the Kremlin's war in Ukraine.

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Related Words

• in spite of 
• regardless of www.thesaurus.com