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despite

di-SPYT/dɪˈspaɪt/

Noun pluraldespites

5 meanings of despite

Practice

  1. 1
    even withpreposition
    Used to say something happens even when another thing might have stopped it.

    We went for a walk despite the rain.

    Despite her fear, she climbed to the top.

    UsagePut a noun or an -ing word after it: despite the rain (not incorrect: despite of the rain). Before a whole sentence, use although.

    Similarnotwithstanding

    Note
  2. 2
    insultnounarchaiccountable
    A cruel or insulting act that shows hate or anger.
    a deſpite done againſt the Moſt High
    1667, John Milton, Paradise LostHere, despite means a cruel, insulting act that shows hate.
    Note
  3. 3
    nounobsoleteuncountable
    A strong feeling of looking down on someone with hate.
    all thy despite against the land of Israel
    1611, The Holy Bible, King James VersionHere, despite means hateful scorn or contempt.

    Similarcontempt

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    verbobsolete
    To annoy or upset someone in a way that shows you look down on them.
    to despite his opposites
    1614, Walter Raleigh, The Historie of the WorldHere, despite means to annoy someone in a way that shows scorn for them.
    Note
  2. 5
    nounliterary
    Hateful feeling toward someone, with the wish to hurt or upset them.
    And for these Corcyraeans—neither receive them into alliance in our despite, nor be their abettors in crime.
    1874, Thucydides, The Peloponnesian War

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Origins

Meanings 1–3

The noun comes from Old French despit and Latin dēspectum, meaning 'looking down on'. The preposition grew from the phrase 'in despite of'.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

  • The noun derives from Old French despit and ultimately Latin dēspectum, meaning 'looking down on'. en.wiktionary.org
  • The preposition developed from the phrase 'in despite of'. en.wiktionary.org
Meaning 4

This comes from Middle English despite, from Old French despitier.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts