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
Synonym Usage
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.
Samsung said that despite its focus on increasing production, it expects memory shortages to continue through next year.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 30, 2026
In the first quarter of 2026, Jane Street made a record profit of $10.3 billion—nearly double the earnings of Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, despite having a fraction of the employees.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026
Hansard played the role of guitarist Outspan Foster, despite not originally auditioning for the part.
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026
On Wednesday, the Fed chose to keep interest rates steady despite those push factors, although three policymakers dissented and called for an immediate rate hike.
From Barron's ● Jul. 30, 2026
I must have drifted off despite the rasping noises around me, because Baby Joe was suddenly pulling at my hand.
From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo
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.
