despite
/dɪˈspaɪt/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: despites
Sense 1
Meaning · English
In spite of, not with standing.
Preposition
Examples
Despite being a near-mirror image my of right, my left hand is terrible at these stuff.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Evil feeling; malice, spite, annoyance.
Noun
Examples
How often am I obliged to speak mal à propos, because my features are not sufficiently charming in a state of repose!—how often is my ingenuity racked to find a word, when a look would have been far better! I am compelled to be amusing, in my own despite.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “despite” mean?
In spite of, not with standing.
Is “despite” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.