Despite
WordNet
noun
(1) Contemptuous disregard
"She wanted neither favor nor despite"
(2) Lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
"He was held in contempt"
"The despite in which outsiders were held is legendary"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From , from , from .
Noun
- Disdain, contemptuous feelings, hatred.
- Action or behaviour displaying such feelings; an outrage, insult.
- 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book II:
- I am right wroth with Balen, I wold he were quyte of the despyte that he hath done to me and to my Courte.
- 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book II:
- Evil feeling; malice, spite.
Preposition
- in spite of
- 1592–1609, William Shakespeare, Sonnet III:
- So thou through windows of thine age shall see
- Despite of wrinkles this thy golden time.
- 1592–1609, William Shakespeare, Sonnet XIX:
- Yet, do thy worst, old Time: despite thy wrong,
- My love shall in my verse ever live young.
- 1592–1609, William Shakespeare, Sonnet III: