de ‧ spite S3 W1 AC /dɪˈspaɪt/ BrE AmE preposition
[ Date: 1200-1300 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: despit 'spite' , from Latin despectus , from despicere ; ⇨ ↑ despise ]
1 . used to say that something happens or is true even though something else might have prevented it SYN in spite of :
Despite all our efforts to save the school, the authorities decided to close it.
despite the fact (that)
She went to Spain despite the fact that her doctor had told her to rest.
2 . despite yourself if you do something despite yourself, you do it although you did not intend to:
Liz realized that, despite herself, she cared about Edward.
• • •
GRAMMAR
Do not use despite to introduce a clause. Instead, use despite with a present participle, despite the fact that , or a clause beginning with although :
▪
Despite neglecting his studies, he got his degree (NOT Despite he neglected his studies ...).
▪
She seemed no happier, despite the fact that her physical condition had improved.
▪
Although I learned a great deal, I thought the course was too narrowly based.
► Despite is not followed by 'of', although it means the same as 'in spite of'.