Looking up...
in spite of; not prevented by
Despite the rain, we had a great time at the picnic.
Even though it was raining, we enjoyed the picnic.
He finished the marathon despite his injury.
He completed the marathon even though he was injured.
Often used to contrast two ideas, showing that one did not stop the other.
Use 'despite' before a noun and 'in spite of' before a clause or noun.
'Despite' is a preposition and is always followed by a noun or noun phrase, never a clause.
From Middle English 'despite', from Old French 'despit', from 'des-' (intensive) + 'pitier' (to pity). Originally meant 'contempt' or 'scorn' before evolving to its current meaning.
Often used in formal writing and speech. Can be followed by a noun or a clause introduced by 'the fact that' or 'that'.