Inspite vs Despite
As in spite and despite are two prepositions used in English language often, understanding the difference between the two will help you to use them accurately. They are different mainly in respect of usage. The term in spite of carries the meaning without being affected by a particular factor mentioned. Then, when it comes to the preposition despite it means without being affected by. There are times when the word despite is used as a noun as well. Anyway, the origin of the word despite lies in Middle English. Moreover, despiteful is a derivative of the word despite.
What does In Spite mean?
It is important to know that the preposition in spite is used in the formal usage. It is also interesting to note that the preposition in spite is very much followed by another preposition ‘of’ as in the sentences given below:
In spite of the differences, the families met during festivals.
They carried on with the game in spite of rain.
In both the sentences given above, you can see that the word in spite is used as a preposition and it is followed by ‘of’. It is also used in a formal sense.
Thus, you can see that both these prepositions, in spite and despite, are used peculiarly in the sense of ‘even though’ sometimes. ‘The game went on in spite of rain’ also would mean the same as ‘the game went on even though it rained.’
What does Despite mean?
Unlike the preposition in spite that is used in the formal usage , the preposition despite is used in the informal usage. This is the main difference between the two prepositions. On the other hand, the preposition despite is not followed by ‘of’ in many cases although the usage of despite is seen along with the preposition ‘of’ too. Observe the sentences given below:
She proceeded further despite my advice.
Despite of the adverse weather conditions, the boat sailed.
In both the sentences given above, the preposition despite is used in an informal sense. Also in the first sentence, the preposition despite is not followed by ‘of’ either. This is the main differences between the two words in spite and despite. However, in the second sentence, you have an example of how despite is followed by the preposition of. It is interesting to note that the word despite has the meaning of ‘hatred’ too. Hence, sometimes the word is used as a noun too as in the sentence given below.
He carried despite with him.
In this sentence, you get the meaning that ‘he carried hatred with him’.
What is the difference between In Spite and Despite?
• The preposition in spite is used in the formal usage whereas the preposition despite is used in the informal usage. This is the main difference between the two prepositions.
• The preposition in spite is very much followed by another preposition ‘of.’
• On the other hand, the preposition despite is not followed by ‘of’ in many cases.
• However, there are instances where the usage of despite is seen along with the preposition ‘of’ too.
• The word despite has the meaning of ‘hatred’ too.
• Both these preposition are used peculiarly in the sense of ‘even though’ sometimes.
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