preposition
despite
dih-SPYTE/dɪˈspaɪt/
Without being prevented by
The runner continues forward despite the driving rain and strong headwind.
Etymology
To “look down on” people is to treat them with contempt. The preposition comes from “in despite of,” meaning “in defiance or contempt of,” which developed into acting without being prevented by something.
In context
One other thing vegans always like to dismiss is tool usage, despite blending all of their meals in a Vitamix, despite using a knife to cut open all of the fruits he's eating.
More examples
- Despite several delays, the train arrives before noon.
- He stays cheerful despite feeling tired.
- The team loses despite its best efforts.
Similar words
- notwithstanding
- More formal; often appears in legal or official writing.
- regardless
- Used with “of” to emphasize that something makes no difference.