spite

/spaɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /spaɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈspīt/ (ame, mw)

spite — noun

1. Used to introduce a fact that makes what you are saying surprising — something h

1.名詞B1
釋義

Used to introduce a fact that makes what you are saying surprising — something happened even though another fact suggested it would not.

例句

In spite of the rain, Christopher and his sister played in the garden for hours.

in spite of + noun phrase at sentence start

Salma got the job in spite of having no experience in that field.

同義詞
  • despite

    Same meaning; no preposition required after despite

  • even though

    Followed by a full clause instead of a noun phrase

  • notwithstanding

    More formal, often used in legal or official contexts

反義詞
  • because of

    States a reason instead of a contrast

  • thanks to

    Positive connotation; gives credit rather than contrast

文法句型

in spite of + noun phrase

in spite of + gerund

用法筆記

In spite of means the same as despite. The key difference is that despite does not take of — it is followed directly by a noun or gerund.

常見錯誤

❌In spite the rain, we went out.
✅In spite of the rain, we went out.
💡The phrase requires of after spite.
❌Despite of the rain, we went out.
✅Despite the rain, we went out.
💡Unlike in spite of, despite is used without of.

2. Doing something without meaning or expecting to, even while trying not to — beca

2.名詞B2
釋義

Doing something without meaning or expecting to, even while trying not to — because a feeling or reaction is too strong to control.

例句

Kenji laughed in spite of himself when the clown tripped.

in spite of + reflexive pronoun (himself)

Élise found herself smiling in spite of herself during the sad movie.

同義詞
反義詞

文法句型

in spite of + reflexive pronoun

用法筆記

This fixed expression always takes a reflexive pronoun that matches the subject (myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves). Never use a regular pronoun (him / her / them) in this phrase.

常見錯誤

❌She laughed in spite of her.
✅She laughed in spite of herself.
💡The reflexive pronoun herself must match the subject.
❌In spite of me, I started crying.
✅In spite of myself, I started crying.
💡The reflexive must match the subject I.

3. The wish to make someone else feel angry or upset, often for a reason that seems

3.名詞B2
釋義

The wish to make someone else feel angry or upset, often for a reason that seems small or unfair.

例句

Salma broke her brother's favourite mug out of pure spite.

out of spite (common collocation)

The old man sold the house out of spite toward his own children.

同義詞
  • malice

    More formal and serious; implies a deeper ill will

  • ill will

    Less intense; general unfriendliness without a specific action

  • resentment

    Focuses on feeling wronged over time, not a sudden urge to hurt

  • vindictiveness

    Includes a strong desire for revenge

反義詞
  • goodwill

    Friendly and helpful attitude

  • kindness

    Gentle and caring behaviour toward others

文法句型

out of spite

act of spite

pure spite

用法筆記

Often used in the phrase out of spite to state the reason for a deliberately hurtful action. Also common in pure spite, sheer spite to emphasise that no other motive exists.

常見錯誤

❌She did it because of spite.
✅She did it out of spite.
💡The correct preposition is out of, not because of.

spite — verb