Difference Between Inspite and Despite

Difference Between Inspite and Despite: In spite and Despite are two words that are often confused by people. Both words are used to describe situations where one thing happens despite another thing. However, there is a difference in their usage and meaning. Understanding the difference between In spite and Despite is important to use them correctly in sentences.

Inspite vs Despite

Meaning of Inspite

In spite is a preposition that means “despite the presence of; notwithstanding”. In spite is used to indicate that something happened while being surrounded by or despite difficulties or problems. 

Usage of Inspite

In spite is used to introduce a contrasting clause in a sentence. It is commonly used in informal settings to show that someone has overcome a challenge or obstacle to achieve something. “In spite” can be used as a conjunction or adverb.

Examples of Inspite

• In spite of the heavy rain, we decided to go on with the picnic.
• In spite of the language barrier, we managed to communicate effectively.
• In spite of his fear of heights, he climbed to the top of the mountain.
• In spite of the pandemic, we managed to have a successful year.
• In spite of her busy schedule, she always finds time to exercise. 

Meaning of Despite

Despite is a preposition that means “in spite of; without being affected by”. It is used to indicate that something happened or was done regardless of the presence of difficulties, problems, or challenges.

Usage of Despite

It is commonly used in both formal and informal settings to show that someone has achieved something despite facing challenges. It is also usually followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form) and often used to show a contrast between a negative situation and a positive outcome. “Despite” can be used as a preposition or conjunction

Examples of Despite

• Despite the traffic jam, we arrived on time for the meeting.
• Despite the economic downturn, the company managed to make a profit.
• Despite the criticism, she continued to pursue her dreams.
• Despite the bad weather, the concert was not canceled.
• Despite his injury, he managed to finish the race.

Difference between Inspite and Despite

	In spite	Despite
Meaning	Means “regardless of”	Means “in spite of”
Usage	Used to indicate that something was done despite the existence of obstacles or challenges.	Used to indicate that something happened or was done regardless of the presence of difficulties, problems or challenges.
Connotation	Implies surprise or unexpectedness	Implies perseverance or determination
Formality	Less formal.	More formal.
Grammatical Function	“Inspite” can be used as a conjunction or adverb	“Despite” can be used as a preposition or conjunction
Example	“Inspite of the pandemic, we managed to have a successful year.”	Despite the criticism, she continued to pursue her dreams.
Frequency	Less commonly used	More commonly used
Origins	Less common variation of “in spite”	More established word with longer history of usage

The main difference between In spite and Despite is the nature of the obstacle or difficulty. In spite is used when something happens despite being surrounded by difficulties, whereas Despite is used when something happens even though there were obstacles or opposition in the way. In other words, In spite shows that something happened because of the difficulties, while Despite shows that something happened in spite of the obstacles.

Conclusion

In summary, “in spite” and “despite” are prepositions that are used to indicate that something happened despite the existence of difficulties, problems, or challenges. “In spite” is commonly used in informal settings and emphasizes the effort taken to overcome obstacles, while “despite” is used in both formal and informal settings and emphasizes the outcome achieved despite challenges. Both prepositions are followed by the preposition “of” and a noun phrase or gerund.