Master confusing words with ease
Despite vs. In spite of
Despite
/dɪˈspaɪt/Examples:
But despite her little comforts, Emma did not become happy.The meal was good, despite everything.Despite what you say, I trust Kit,' Mr Brass replied.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
In spite of
/ɪn spaɪt əv/Examples:
In spite of the rain, we went ahead with the picnic.She excelled in spite of facing numerous obstacles.In spite of his objections, the plan proceeded.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Both despite and in spite of mean the same thing: they are used to indicate a contrast or a concession.
- Despite is usually followed directly by a noun or a gerund (verb ending in -ing), while in spite of may sound more formal or emphatic and is also followed by a noun or a gerund.
- Remember that despite is a single word, whereas in spite of is a phrase consisting of three words.
- Despite is often preferred in formal writing due to its concise nature.
- Mixing despite and of does not create a valid expression; do not confuse despite of with in spite of.
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