in spite of: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘in spite of’ mean?
The idiom "in spite of" means to do something or have a result that goes against or contradicts a particular situation or circumstance. It implies the ability to overcome obstacles or challenges, despite unfavorable conditions or opposition.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "keep on" means to continue doing something without stopping or to persist in doing something despite difficulties or obstacles.
The idiom "just the same" means despite a change in situation or circumstances, something remains unchanged or unaffected. It implies consistency or similarity in spite of differences.
The idiom *in your face* means to confront someone with something aggressively or boldly, often to provoke a reaction. It implies direct and unapologetic behavior, disregarding social boundaries.
The idiom "in vain" means to do something without achieving the desired outcome or result. It emphasizes the futility or lack of success in one's efforts.
The idiom "in the way" means obstructing or blocking the progress or movement of someone or something.
The idiom "in the face of" means to confront or deal with something difficult or challenging. It implies facing a problem or obstacle directly and not being intimidated or deterred by it.
The idiom "hope against hope" means to continue hoping for something despite there being little or no chance of it happening.
The idiom "hold together" means to stay unified, despite challenges or difficulties, and not fall apart or disintegrate.
The idiom "hack it" means to manage or cope with a situation or task despite difficulties or challenges. It implies the ability to handle or succeed in a particular situation, often through perseverance or improvisation.
Inexplicable Persistence
The idiom "in spite of" is a commonly used expression in English. It is often used to highlight the presence of an unexpected outcome or result that defies logical or expected reasoning. This expression contrasts with or is in contrast to the preceding information or situation. It emphasizes a contradiction or an unexpected outcome in relation to what may be expected or logical.
"In spite of" is considered a prepositional phrase, with "in" serving as the preposition and "spite of" as the object. It introduces contrasting information or outcome. It is a versatile expression that is frequently used to introduce a contradiction or unexpected outcome although its precise origin remains unknown. The phrase has been used in the English language for several centuries and continues to be widely employed.
Despite adversity, his persistence was a defiance to opposition. This idiom reminds us of the phrase "against all odds," which conveys a similar meaning. Both idioms suggest that something is achieved or happens even in the face of great challenges or difficulties. "In spite of" encapsulates the idea of carrying through despite the obstacles, similar to the idiomatic expression "carry through".
The phrase "in the face of" has a similar meaning to "in spite of." It connotes the idea of confronting or dealing with something difficult or challenging while still achieving a desired outcome. It implies that one is not deterred by obstacles or setbacks and is able to persevere to achieve success. "In spite of" can be used in a similar way to describe situations where individuals or groups face adversity but still manage to achieve their goals.
It is important to note that "in spite of" is often used interchangeably with the phrase "despite." Both phrases introduce contrasting information and convey a similar meaning. However, "despite" is more commonly used in contemporary writing and speech. "In spite of" and "despite" can both be used to emphasize unexpected results or divergences from logical expectations.
The use of "in spite of" can greatly enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing. By incorporating this idiom, you can convey a sense of contrast or contradiction, highlight unexpected outcomes, and emphasize the ability to overcome challenges. Remember to always follow AP style and apply the rules mentioned earlier to improve coherence, readability, and effectiveness. Keep your paragraphs short and concise, use a conversational style with simple words and phrasing, and vary your language to keep the reader engaged.
"in spite of" is a valuable idiomatic expression in the English language. It offers a valuable tool in emphasizing unexpected results or divergences from logical expectations. Whether you choose to use it alongside idioms like "against all odds" or "in the face of," or incorporate it to describe the ability to "carry through," "in spite of" can greatly enhance the impact of your writing. So, take a deep breath, follow the step-by-step process, and start incorporating this versatile idiom into your work as a skilled Editor for HubSpot.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom in spite of can be used in a sentence:
In spite of the rain, they went for a hike and had a great time.
He managed to finish the project in spite of all the obstacles he faced.
In spite of his fear of heights, he climbed to the top of the mountain.
More "Prepositions" idioms
