When using the word “despite,” it would be helpful to know a bit more about the prepositional usage. We can sometimes use the word “of” in certain words, and it would help to know whether this applies to “despite.” This article will provide the answer.
Is It “Despite” Or “Despite Of”?
“Despite” is the correct word to use in all modern cases of English. However, “despite of” is still technically correct. It is simply an old-fashioned phrase that’s more common to see in Shakespearian English (which is no longer appropriate to use today).
The two phrases are actually identical. They both have the same meaning, which helps us when we want to distinguish between them. We can remove “of” from the old-fashioned phrase and still have the meaning upheld:
- Despite everything, I still love her.
- Despite of everything, I still love her.
As you can see, both sentences are identical. We simply remove “of” in modern English.
What Does “Despite” And “Despite Of” Mean?
It would help to go over the direct meaning of the two words. Luckily, they’re synonymous, so once we’ve explained one, we’ve explained the other.
“Despite” and “despite of” mean that something happens without being affected by another outcome. Usually, we will have evidence presented to us, but we still do something against that evidence “despite” whatever it might recommend.
When somebody takes an action that seems to go against any reasoning, they might be doing it “despite” something else. It works well when they want to show that they do not care for the consequences, no matter the cost.
Examples Of How To Use “Despite” In A Sentence
It’s time to check out a few great examples to show you how “despite” works. In almost all cases, you’ll be better off using “despite” in your writing.
- Despite what I’ve been told, I made sure to do my own research before coming to any decisions.
- Despite the things they said, I thought I would check out the cave for myself.
- I thought it would be fun to try despite everyone telling me that it was a really stupid idea.
- I wanted to ask her out again despite her obvious and abrupt rejection the first time I tried.
- I think you should do what you want to do despite the opinions that everyone else has provided to you.
- Despite what I know, I still think there is more out there that we haven’t been told about.
- Despite common sense, there will always be more interesting ways to argue with idiots!
“Despite” works well when we want to ignore some information. It shows that we are thinking about doing something without being affected by something that we might already have been told.
Examples Of How To Use “Despite Of” In A Sentence
We can use “despite of” in the same way. Remember, the phrase is identical to “despite,” and if we want to make it more understandable, we just remove “of.”
- Despite of everything they said about her, I still love her, and I’ll get her back.
- I made sure to do all the dishes despite of my father getting angry at me for no reason.
- I thought it would make more sense to be here despite of all the warning signs I received before coming.
- Despite of my good nature, I still think that you’re an idiot who is looking for attention, and I cannot help you.
- Despite of the things you mentioned, I thought it would still be fun for us to try scuba diving.
- Listen, despite of everything we said to each other, I’m sure we can find a way to make this work.
- Despite of all that, I think it would be best if we stopped listening to the news!
“Despite of” is identical in meaning to “despite.” We use it when we want to show that we are not considering consequences or common sense in some way.
Is It Incorrect To Use “Despite Of”?
It is not incorrect to use “despite of.” However, it is far from common. We do not use Shakespearian English much today, so it’s unlikely that any native speakers will know what you’re saying if you try and write “despite of.”
While the meanings are identical, the reception is not. Many native speakers will think you’ve made a grammatical error when using “despite of,” which is why it’s best to avoid in your writing.
Should I Use “Despite Of” Or “In Despite Of”?
The same rules apply when we look at a slightly different phrase, “in despite of.” This time, it replaces the modern “in spite of,” but it’s still technically correct.
“Despite of” and “in despite of” are synonymous. However, they are both outdated and from Shakespearian times, which is why we choose not to use them today.
If you were going to use anything remotely close, you should use one of the following:
- Outdated: Despite of all that, I still want to talk to you.
- Modern: Despite all that, I still want to talk to you.
- Outdated: In despite of my better judgment, I will listen to what you have to say.
- Modern: In spite of my better judgment, I will listen to what you have to say.
Does “Despite Of” And “In Spite Of” Mean The Same?
“Despite of” and “in spite of” mean the same thing, just like how “in spite of” and “despite” are synonymous. The phrases all have the same meanings, and we can use them interchangeably whenever we want to.
The following sentences are all identical:
- Despite of all those things, I thought I should let you know about the danger.
- In spite of all those things, I thought I should let you know about the danger.
- Despite all those things, I thought I should let you know about the danger.
“Despite” – Synonyms
Check out these synonyms to see how you might be able to use “despite” in better ways:
- In spite of
- Notwithstanding
- Regardless
- Regardless of
- In defiance of
- Without being affected by
- Unaffected by
- In the face of
- Without considering
- Even with
- Undeterred by
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
