Difference Between In Spite of & Despite

In spite of vs Despite of

This article will focus on the difference between “in spite of” and “despite of,” if there is any difference at all. When discussing someone or something overcoming odds and achieving success, the words “despite” or “in spite” are often used. Both are commonly used, and it can be challenging for non-native English speakers to choose between the two. Either word can be used in situations where “though” or “although” can be utilized, and there is not much difference between “in spite of” and “despite.” This article will help clarify the usage of these two words.

What does In Spite of mean? What does Despite of mean?

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “in spite of” means “without being affected by the particular factor mentioned.” However, when it comes to the meaning of “despite of,” the Oxford English Dictionary simply gives the word “in spite of.” This shows that both words mean the same. Both “despite” and “in spite of” refer to “notwithstanding,” and the only error to avoid is not using “of” with “despite,” which is a common mistake made by students that can result in a low exam score. Here are a few examples of how to use “in spite of” and “despite” correctly:

Despite playing brilliantly, Japan lost the game to Mexico.
Despite having an umbrella, Isabella was drenched by the time she reached home.
Despite having taken a course in French language, Sammy found it hard to converse in French.

In these sentences, “despite” refers to “though” or “although.” You can interchange “despite” with “in spite of” in all three sentences, and wherever you wish to use “despite.” Let’s see how the same sentences appear when we have replaced “despite” with “in spite of”:

In spite of playing brilliantly, Japan lost the game to Mexico.
In spite of having an umbrella, Isabella was drenched by the time she reached home.
In spite of having taken a course in French language, Sammy found it hard to converse in French.

The word “despite” is shorter, which is why people prefer to use it both when speaking and writing. However, the only thing to avoid is not using “of” with “despite” or writing “in spite” without “of.”

Key Takeaways

• There is no need to differentiate between “despite” and “in spite of” when speaking or writing, as they are interchangeable.
• The only rule is to use “of” with “in spite” and not to use “of” with “despite.”
• Both “despite” and “in spite of” can be used in place of “though” or “although” in sentences.