Words / B2

SPYT/spaɪt/

Spite is a wish to hurt or annoy; in spite of means although: in spite of the snow; out of spite. Despite is the close twin (already elsewhere); although is the clause twin. In spite of the snow, the oral went ahead. Mix-up: spit is saliva; despite does not take “of”. Do not write “in despite of” or “in spite” without of.

Meaning

A wish to hurt or annoy; in spite of means although something is true.

Examples

• “In spite of the snow, the oral went ahead in the drama studio.”
• “The leak looked like spite, not error, which is the malice sense.”

Good to know

in spite of; out of spite. Close: despite (no of). Trap: spit. Formal prose and news. Although, or a wish to hurt.

Near in meaning

despite

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