TKG English Learner's Dictionary

despite

despitepreposition

American /dɪˈspaɪt/ British /dɪˈspaɪt/
very commondefining vocabulary

  1. used before a noun, a pronoun, or an -ing form to say that something happens even though this thing might have stopped it

    Despite is followed by a noun, a pronoun, or an -ing form, never by a clause with a subject and a verb: despite the rain, despite being tired. For a clause, use although or even though: although it rained. Unlike in spite of, despite is never followed by of.

    Collocations

    phrase despite everything, despite the fact that, despite this, despite himself

    Synonyms in spite of (in spite of means the same; it is always followed by of)

    Compare although (although introduces a clause with a subject and a verb); even though (even though introduces a clause and is a little stronger)

Common mistakes

despite of the rain despite the rain
Despite is never followed by of; in spite of always is.
despite it rained although it rained
Despite cannot introduce a clause; use although, or turn the clause into a noun: despite the rain.

For translators

Meaning across languages Despite and in spite of mean the same and usually share one translation. If that word can also introduce a clause with a subject and a verb in your language, remember that these English words cannot.
Grammar trap Despite takes a noun phrase, a pronoun, or an -ing form, never a clause with a subject and a verb: despite the rain, despite being ill, but although it rained.