1
Concede an obstacle
Show that an expected barrier did not prevent an outcome.
Example
Despite heavy rain, the excavation continued.
despite
/dɪˈspaɪt/ · dih-SPYTEconcession preposition
Without being prevented or changed by the factor named in the following noun phrase.
Use despite to signal this exact relationship between ideas: without being prevented or changed by the factor named in the following noun phrase.
What despite Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Acknowledge contrary evidence
Admit a limitation while maintaining a claim.
Example
Despite the small sample, the pattern is noteworthy.
3
Mark an unexpected result
Contrast an outcome with conditions that made it unlikely.
Example
The species recovered despite severe habitat loss.
Use despite Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Despite heavy rain, the excavation continued.
Despite the small sample, the pattern is noteworthy.
The species recovered despite severe habitat loss.
Precision Matters
Despite overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
despite
vs.Signals without being prevented or changed by the factor named in the following noun phrase.
although
Means despite the fact that; introduces a subordinate concession.
despite
vs.Signals without being prevented or changed by the factor named in the following noun phrase.
even though
Means introduce a true circumstance that might have been expected to prevent the main result but did not.
despite
vs.Signals without being prevented or changed by the factor named in the following noun phrase.
because of
Means as a result of; introduces a noun phrase naming a cause.
despite
vs.Signals without being prevented or changed by the factor named in the following noun phrase.
all the same
Means nevertheless; despite the point or difficulty just mentioned.
Test despite in Context
The limitation is acknowledged, but it did not prevent a consistent result.
1
___ the limited sample size, the same pattern appeared at all six sites.