DESPITE Meaning and
Definition
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Despite is a preposition that indicates a contrast or opposition between two ideas or situations. It implies that even though something is true or exists, it is unaffected or not influenced by another factor. It emphasizes the persistence or continuation of a particular condition despite an expected or logical change.
In usage, despite often connects a noun or pronoun with a verb, giving an explanation or reason that goes against expectations. For instance, "Despite the rain, the children played outside all day." Here, despite highlights the contradiction between the anticipated behavior during rainfall and the actual behavior displayed by the children. It shows that the rain did not hinder their decision to play.
Despite can also introduce a subordinate clause or a phrase, expressing an opposing sentiment. For example, "Despite being tired, she stayed up late to finish her assignments." This construction showcases how tiredness ought to deter someone from staying awake, but the person defied this expectation.
Despite is similar in meaning to other prepositions like "in spite of," "regardless of," or "notwithstanding." All these terms convey a disregard for an expected outcome or potential impediment, emphasizing the persistence of a given state despite external factors.
Overall, despite is a versatile word that denotes the existence of a situation or condition while simultaneously highlighting its ability to coexist or persist despite contradictory factors.
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• Violent hatred; extreme malice; defiance of opposition or difficulties, or in contempt of them.
• To tease; to offend; to vex.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for DESPITE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for DESPITE
Etymology of DESPITE
The word "despite" originated from the Middle English term "despit", which was derived from the Old French word "despit", meaning "contempt" or "disdain". This French word can be traced back to the Latin term "despectus", derived from the verb "despicere", which means "to look down on" or "to despise". Ultimately, "despite" carries the connotation of something happening in defiance or in spite of an opposing force or feeling.
Idioms with the word DESPITE
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in despite of
The idiom "in despite of" means to do something or achieve something in spite of challenges, criticism, or opposition. It is used to convey a sense of determination and resilience.
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despite (oneself)
The idiom "despite oneself" means to do something even though it goes against one's own intentions, desires, or instincts. It refers to acting or behaving in a particular way despite one's better judgment or personal preferences.
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despite yourself
The idiom "despite yourself" means to do or achieve something even though you might not want to or despite your own intentions or efforts.
Similar spelling words for DESPITE
- despise,
- spite,
- despot,
- despised,
- despatch,
- despotic,
- despotism,
- dispute,
- despiteful,
- Despiser,
- decapitate.
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