Despites

Despites is not a standard term with a single, widely recognized meaning in English. In practice, it may be encountered in two marginal contexts: as the plural of the noun form of despite, meaning acts of contempt or disdain, and as a proper noun used as a name for an entity such as a fictional group or project. Neither usage is common in contemporary reference works, and editors typically treat the plural form despites as nonstandard when the intended sense is “contempt” or “disdain.”

Etymology and sense. The main English word despite originates from Old French despit, from Latin despectus, the past participle of despicere “to despise.” In modern English, despite is primarily a preposition or adverb meaning “in spite of.” The noun sense of despite is rare and archaic or literary, referring to contempt or disdain. Consequently, the plural despites, when used, is similarly uncommon and often considered nonstandard.

Usage notes. Because despites is not widely accepted as a standard plural or as a distinct lexical item, it is typically avoided in formal writing. If used, it should be clearly defined on first appearance to prevent ambiguity. In most contexts, writers use despite or in spite of to convey concession or contrast.

See also. despite; in spite of; despicere; etymology of despite.