in spite of

DESPITE, notwithstanding, regardless of, for all; undeterred by, in defiance of, in the face of; even though, although.

→ spite

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I. preposition

Etymology: Middle English

: without being blocked or prevented by the opposing force of : regardless of the adverse effect of : despite, notwithstanding

went in spite of the rain

a handsome man in spite of his baldness

plunged ahead in spite of all efforts to stop him

II. preposition

: in defiance or contempt of

charged in spite of superior enemy forces

: despite adverse effects of : in opposition to all efforts of

in spite of careful preparation

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in spite of

1. In opposition to all efforts of, in defiance of, in contempt of

2. Notwithstanding

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Main Entry: ↑spite

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◊ 'in spite of'

You use in spite of when you are mentioning circumstances which surprisingly do not prevent something from happening or being true. Note that the spelling is in spite of, not `inspite of'.

The morning air was still clear and fresh, in spite of all the traffic and the crowd.

In spite of poor health, my father was always cheerful.

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◊ WARNING

You do not use in spite of to say that something will not be affected by any circumstances. You do not say, for example, `Everyone can take part, in spite of their ability'. You say `Everyone can take part regardless of their ability' or `Everyone can take part whatever their ability'.

If they are determined to strike, they will do so regardless of what the law says.

A winning team will always attract support, whatever the facilities provided.

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You also do not use in spite of as a conjunction. You do not say, for example, `In spite of we protested, they took him away'. You say `Although we protested, they took him away'.

Although he was late, he stopped to buy a sandwich.

Gretchen kept her coat on, although it was warm in the room.

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◊ 'despite'

Despite means the same as in spite of. You do not use `of' after despite.

Despite the differences in their ages they were close friends.

The cost of public services has risen steeply despite a general decline in their quality.

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without being affected by the particular factor mentioned

he was suddenly cold in spite of the sun

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in spite of

: without being prevented by (something) : ↑despite

— used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

He failed the test in spite of all his studying.

She went ahead in spite of the snow.

They made it on time in spite of the fact that they got a flat tire.

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Main Entry: ↑spite