despite
Translation
despite, in spite of
Examples
He went out despite the rain.
He went out despite the rain.
Despite being tired, she finished the race.
Despite being tired, she finished the race.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) without being affected by (sth.) He went out despite the rain.
((doing sth.)) without being affected by the fact of (doing sth.) Despite being tired, she finished the race.
Similar Words
Synonyms: in spite of, notwithstanding; Antonyms: because of, due to
Etymology
From Old French 'despit' (contempt, scorn), from Latin 'despectus'. The sense evolved to mean 'in defiance of'.
Memory Tips
Remember that 'despite' is followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not a full clause like 'although'.