Definition

1. Preposition:

   • In spite of; notwithstanding: Used to introduce a fact that makes something else surprising or unexpected. It indicates that something happened or is true even though there was an obstacle or contrary condition.

2. Noun (Archaic/Rare):

   • Contemptuous disregard; scorn; malice: An old-fashioned or literary term for the feeling or action of despising someone or something; intense dislike.

Usage Examples

• Preposition:

  • She finished the race despite her injury. (This shows the action was completed even with an obstacle.)
  • Despite the heavy rain, the event continued as planned. (This introduces the surprising fact that the event continued.)
  • He remains cheerful despite all the difficulties. (This emphasizes the contrast between his mood and the situation.)

• Noun (Archaic):

  • He acted out of despite, seeking only to cause harm. (This uses the noun form to mean malice or ill will.)

Advanced Usage

• "In despite of": An archaic phrase meaning "in spite of." It is rarely used in modern English but may appear in historical or literary texts.

  • In despite of all warnings, he proceeded. (This is equivalent to "Despite all warnings...")

• "To do something despite oneself": To do something even though one does not want to or intends not to. This phrase emphasizes a lack of conscious control.

  • She laughed despite herself. (This means she laughed even though she tried not to.)

Variants and Related Words

• Despiteful (adj, archaic): Malicious; full of spite.
  • His despiteful comments were meant to hurt.
• Despitefully (adv, archaic): In a malicious manner.

Synonyms

• Preposition: In spite of, notwithstanding, regardless of, even with.
• Noun (Archaic): Contempt, scorn, disdain, malice, spite.

Important Note on Usage

• In contemporary English, "despite" is used almost exclusively as a preposition. The noun form is considered archaic and is very rarely used in everyday speech or writing. When used as a preposition, it is followed directly by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (the -ing form of a verb used as a noun).
  • Correct: despite the noise, despite him, despite having no money
  • It is not followed by "of." The phrase "despite of" is incorrect.
  • Incorrect: despite of the weather
  • Correct: despite the weather or in spite of the weather

Noun

1. contemptuous disregard
   • she wanted neither favor nor despite
2. lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
   • he was held in contempt
   • the despite in which outsiders were held is legendary