Despite vs In spite of

 

The English terms in spite of and despite are very similar in meaning and usage. English speakers sometimes find them confusing.

Note:

The English terms despite and in spite of are synonyms. Despite might be a tiny bit more formal, but the two terms are interchangeable. Just be careful not to say something like "despite of" or "in despite" – it’s always either the three words in spite of, or just the single word despite.


1. Despite

  • Despite means "even though," "notwithstanding," or "regardless of." It’s the opposite of "because of/due to," and can be used with a noun or gerund.
  • You use despite to introduce a fact which makes the other part of the sentence surprising.

Example:

  • She had difficulty communicating in French despite all her years of study.
  • We lost the game, despite the fact that we practiced all week.
  • Despite not having an umbrella, I walked home in the rain


2. In spite of

  • In spite of means exactly the same thing and is used exactly the same way as despite.
  • You use in spite of for referring to a fact that makes something else surprising

Example:

  • She had difficulty communicating in French in spite of all her years of study.
  • We lost the game, in spite of the fact that we practiced all week.
  • In spite of not having an umbrella, I walked home in the rain.


More Example Sentences

Despite

  • He appeared relaxed, despite the danger.
  • Our vacation was a lot of fun, despite the cold weather.
  • I passed all of my exams despite the fact that I never studied.
  • Despite the law, people continue to use mobile phones while driving.
  • We enjoyed the festival despite the rain.


In spite of

  • They never made much money in spite of their success.
  • In spite of the pain in his leg, he completed the marathon.
  • The train was cancelled. In spite of that, we arrived on time.
  • He got the job in spite of his prison record.
  • In spite of being rich, he isn't happy.


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