Words / B1

di-SPYT/dɪˈspaɪt/

Despite is a preposition: despite the rain, despite feeling tired. It is followed by a noun, pronoun, or -ing — not a full clause with a subject and verb. Although needs a clause: although it was raining. In spite of means the same as despite. A common error is “despite of.”

Meaning

Without being stopped by something.

Examples

• “We went for a walk despite the rain.”
• “Despite the cost, they booked the course.”
• “She smiled despite feeling nervous.”

Good to know

despite + noun/-ing. Not “despite of.” Clause: although + subject + verb.

Near in meaning

in spite of

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