What is the Difference Between In spite of and Despite of?

The terms "in spite of" and "despite" have the same meaning and are used interchangeably in most cases. They both mean "notwithstanding," "even though," or "regardless of" and are used to show contrast in a sentence. However, there are some differences between them:

1. Length: "Despite" is a single word, while "in spite of" is a three-word phrase.
2. Formality: "Despite" is considered slightly more formal than "in spite of".
3. Placement: Both "despite" and "in spite of" can be placed at the beginning or middle of a sentence.

Both terms are used as prepositions and can be followed by nouns, gerunds, and phrases containing a relative pronoun. They are typically used in a subordinate clause to contrast with the information given in the main clause. For example:

• Despite being tired, she finished the project on time.
• In spite of being tired, she finished the project on time.

In summary, "in spite of" and "despite" have the same meaning and function, but "despite" is a single word and considered slightly more formal than "in spite of".

Comparative Table: In spite of vs Despite of

The difference between "in spite of" and "despite" is minimal, as both prepositions convey a similar meaning. They are used to express contrast or contradiction, similar to "regardless," "even though," or "notwithstanding". Here is a summary of their usage:

Examples:

• In spite of the rain, they decided to go for a walk.
• Despite the rain, they decided to go for a walk.

The choice between "in spite of" and "despite" may depend on the context or the level of formality in the writing or speech. "In spite of" is slightly more elaborate and may be used in more formal writing. However, both prepositions can be used interchangeably in most situations.