despite

Everyday

Despite means without being stopped by something; even though something else is true. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and reports it links two facts that do not seem to fit: the second happened anyway. In writing lessons it is a joining word for contrast, like «although» and «but». Phrases: «despite the rain», «despite this», «despite being tired», «despite the fact that».

Examples

• We played outside despite the rain. tree →
• Despite being tired, she finished her homework. tree →
• Despite the cold, the children swam in the sea. tree →
• He was happy despite losing the match. tree →
• Despite all our practice, we forgot the words. tree →
• The bus came on time despite the snow. tree →
• Despite the fact that it was late, Dad read us a story. tree →
• Ferchar Mac Ro did not stop till he got the sons of Uisnech away with him, despite the suspicion of Deirdre. tree →

Note

Never say «despite of» — that is a mistake. «In spite of» means the same and does need «of». After «despite» comes a noun or an -ing word, not a full sentence: «despite the rain», «despite being ill»; or use «despite the fact that» + sentence. Not a number word.

In Jewish tradition

In stories and reports it links two facts that do not seem to fit: the second happened anyway. In writing lessons it is a joining word for contrast, like «although» and «but». Phrases: «despite the rain», «despite this», «despite being tired», «despite the fact that».

Examples

• But the time of its composition and the name of its author have not yet been ascertained, despite of the most elaborate researches of renowned archaeologists. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• And yet, despite all the efforts of a large number of scholars of repute for more than a thousand years, the Sefer Yetzirah remains a sealed book. (Mordell, The Origin of Letters and Numerals according to Sefer Yetzirah (1914)) tree →
• I said: 'Surely thou wilt fear Me, thou wilt receive correction; so her dwelling shall not be cut off, despite all that I have visited upon her'; but they betimes corrupted all their doings. (Prophets ZEP.3.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Never say «despite of» — that is a mistake. «In spite of» means the same and does need «of». After «despite» comes a noun or an -ing word, not a full sentence: «despite the rain», «despite being ill»; or use «despite the fact that» + sentence. Not a number word.