How to Pronounce Despite

To pronounce "despite", say DESP-it-e — 3 syllables, IPA /dɪˈspaɪt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

despite

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

7

Letters

/dɪˈspaɪt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “despite”

"despite" has 3 syllables: desp-it-e. It rhymes with insight and light, if that helps it stick.

What does despite mean?

noun

  1. Disdain, contemptuous feelings, hatred.
  2. Action or behaviour displaying such feelings; an outrage, insult.

verb

  1. To vex; to annoy; to offend contemptuously.

preposition

  1. In spite of, notwithstanding, regardless of.

Synonyms

in spite ofmaugre

Hear “despite” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with despite

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

insightlightcontriteincitedelighteruditebrighttwilightreconditeforthrightplightacolyte

Related words

spiteinsultregardlessirrespectiveunlikebutoveroutside

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "despite"?▾

"Despite" has 3 syllables: desp · it · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "despite"?▾

The IPA transcription of "despite" is /dɪˈspaɪt/.

What does "despite" mean?▾

Despite: Disdain, contemptuous feelings, hatred.

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