TKG English Learner's Dictionary

in spite of

in spite ofpreposition

American /ɪn ˈspaɪt əv/ British /ɪn ˈspaɪt əv/
common

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

    In spite of is followed by a noun, a pronoun, or an -ing form, never by a clause with a subject and a verb: in spite of the rain, in spite of being tired. For a clause, use although or even though: although it rained. In spite of the fact that is possible but heavy.

    Collocations

    phrase in spite of everything, in spite of the fact that, in spite of this, in spite of yourself

    Synonyms despite (despite means the same and is a little more formal; it is never 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)

Word family

Common mistakes

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

For translators

Meaning across languages In spite of and despite 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 the English ones cannot.
Grammar trap In spite of takes a noun phrase, a pronoun, or an -ing form, never a clause with a subject and a verb: in spite of the rain, in spite of being ill, but although it rained.
Pronunciation trap Said as one unit with the stress on spite; in is unstressed and of is weak, əv.