despite
gb/dɪspˈaɪt/ us/dɪspˈaɪt/
B1
English
~ 800
Senses
0 senses
preposition
B1
relation
1
without being affected by
Used to show that something happens even though there is another thing that could stop it.
Usage pattern:
despite [noun/noun phrase]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'despite' with 'although'. 'Despite' is followed by a noun or noun phrase, not a full clause unless using 'the fact that'.
Synonyms
in spite of (Almost identical in meaning; slightly more common in informal speech.)
Antonyms
because of (Indicates a cause rather than contrast or concession.)
Collocations
despite the rain
|despite the fact
|despite difficulties
|despite opposition
Themes
contrast
|logic
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|communication
Examples
- Despite the heavy traffic, we arrived on time.
- She continued working despite feeling unwell.
- The team won despite having fewer players than the opponent.
- Despite the rain, the festival went ahead as planned.
Learner examples
- Despite the cold, we went outside.
- He passed the test despite his illness.
- They had fun despite the bad weather.
- Despite her age, she runs fast.
Grammar
Dictionary form
despite
IPA
GB/dɪspˈaɪt/
US/dɪspˈaɪt/
Syllables & stress
des - pite (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (pite)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: despite
- Plural: despites
Word family
Forms
despites
noun
Related words
Expressions
despite the fact that
1/dɪspˈaɪt ðə fˈækt ðˈæt/
fixed phrase
even though something is true
Used to show that something happens even though a certain fact is true.
Examples
- Despite the fact that he was tired, he kept working.
- She smiled despite the fact that she was nervous.