Difference between In Spite & Despite

In Spite vs Despite

In spite and despite are two prepositions frequently used in the English language. Understanding the difference between the two will help you use them accurately. They mainly differ in terms of usage. The term “in spite of” conveys the meaning of not being affected by a specific factor mentioned. When it comes to the preposition “despite”, it means not being affected by. There are times when the word “despite” is used as a noun as well. The origin of the word despite lies in Middle English. Moreover, “despiteful” is a derivative of the word despite.

What does In Spite mean?

It is essential to know that the preposition “in spite” is used in formal usage. The preposition “in spite” is often followed by another preposition, ‘of’, as in the sentences given below:
In spite of the differences, the families met during festivals.
They carried on with the game in spite of rain.

In both the sentences given above, the word “in spite” is used as a preposition and is followed by ‘of’. It is also used in a formal sense. Both these prepositions, “in spite” and “despite”, are sometimes used peculiarly in the sense of ‘even though’. ‘The game went on in spite of rain’ would also mean the same as ‘the game went on even though it rained.’

What does Despite mean?

Unlike the preposition “in spite” that is used in formal usage, the preposition “despite” is used in informal usage. This is the main difference between the two prepositions. On the other hand, the preposition “despite” is not often followed by ‘of’, although the usage of “despite” is seen along with the preposition ‘of’ too. Observe the sentences given below:

She proceeded further despite my advice.
Despite the adverse weather conditions, the boat sailed.

In both the sentences given above, the preposition “despite” is used in an informal sense. Also, in the first sentence, the preposition “despite” is not followed by ‘of’ either. This is the main difference between the two words “in spite” and “despite”. However, in the second sentence, “despite” is followed by the preposition ‘of’. The word “despite” also has the meaning of ‘hatred’, and sometimes it is used as a noun too, as in the sentence given below:

He carried despite with him.

In this sentence, you get the meaning that ‘he carried hatred with him’.

Key Takeaways

• The preposition “in spite” is used in formal usage, whereas the preposition “despite” is used in informal usage.
• The preposition “in spite” is often followed by another preposition ‘of’, while the preposition “despite” is not often followed by ‘of’.
• Both prepositions, “in spite” and “despite”, are sometimes used peculiarly in the sense of ‘even though’.