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

And so, one year on from that season in Canada, she had left college and moved to Portugal to join Sporting, despite heavy interest in France and England.

From BBC

Yet his Grand Slam performances mean he trails only Alcaraz and Sinner in the annual ATP Tour race - despite playing 11 tournaments this season.

From BBC

They told us that, despite reaching out to police a year ago, the dealers were still on the streets.

From BBC

She felt that they took no real accountability for the pitfalls of their product, and was let down by their decision to continue selling it for two months despite doubts over its efficacy.

From BBC

Her connection with Hechinger is palpable, heady and heated, despite their characters’ differences, and it’s nice to see Hechinger in a more adult, romantic role, even as Skinner falls prey to his own demons.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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