despite
[preposition]
Synonyms: in spite of, against, even with, in the face of, in the teeth of, notwithstanding, regardless of, undeterred by

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Antonyms: appreciation
Contrasted words: admiration, esteem, honor, regard, respect, attraction, liking, awe, fear, reverence
Related Words: disdainfulness, insolence, superciliousness, abhorrence, abomination, detestation, hate, hatred, loathing, rejection, repudiation, spurning, aversion, disfavor, dislike, distaste, cold shoulder, rebuff, slight, snub, disgust, contempt, disdain, scorn, harm, hurt, injury, cut, discourtesy, incivility

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

de‧spite S3 W1 AC /dɪˈspaɪt/ 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 Synonym : 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'.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

despite
preposition
1.
BAD: Despite the train was empty, he came and sat in front of me.
GOOD: Although the train was empty, he came and sat in front of me.
GOOD: Despite the train being empty, he came and sat in front of me.

Usage Note:
Despite and in spite of are prepositions (NOT conjunctions). Unlike although (a conjunction), they cannot introduce a clause that has a finite verb ('was'). Compare: 'In spite of/Despite owning two cars, he can't drive.' 'Although he owns two cars, he can't drive.'

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2.
BAD: Despite of my qualifications, I couldn't get a job.
GOOD: Despite my qualifications, I couldn't get a job.
GOOD: In spite of my qualifications, I couldn't get a job.

Usage Note:
despite sth (WITHOUT of ): 'Despite the heat, she wouldn't take her coat off.'
in spite of sth (WITH of ): 'In spite of the heat, she wouldn't take her coat off.'

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Common Errors ▲