While vs. Despite — What's the Difference?
Difference Between While and Despite
ADVERTISEMENT
Compare with Definitions
While
While is a word in the English language that functions both as a noun and as a subordinating conjunction. Its meaning varies largely based on its intended function, position in the phrase and even the writer or speaker's regional dialect.
Despite
Lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike;
He was held in contempt
The despite in which outsiders were held is legendary
While
A period of time
Stay for a while.
Sang all the while. See Usage Note at awhile.
Despite
Without being affected by; in spite of
He remains a great leader despite age and infirmity
While
The time, effort, or trouble taken in doing something
The project wasn't worth my while.
ADVERTISEMENT
Despite
Contemptuous treatment or behaviour; outrage
The despite done by him to the holy relics
While
As long as; during the time that
It was lovely while it lasted.
Despite
Contempt; disdain
The theatre only earns my despite
While
In spite of the fact that; although
While that guitar may look nice, it's not a very good instrument.
Despite
In spite of; notwithstanding
Won the game despite overwhelming odds.
While
And on the contrary
The soles are leather, while the uppers are canvas.
Despite
Contemptuous defiance or disregard.
While
To spend (time) idly or pleasantly
While the hours away.
Despite
Spite; malice
"He died soon after ... of pure despite and vexation" (Sir Walter Scott).
While
An uncertain duration of time, a period of time.
He lectured for quite a long while.
It’s a long while since anyone lived there, so it’s a ruin now.
Despite
In spite of, notwithstanding.
While
(US) an uncertain long period of time
Despite
(obsolete) Disdain, contemptuous feelings, hatred.
While
(Philippines) an uncertain short moment
Despite
(archaic) Action or behaviour displaying such feelings; an outrage, insult.
While
During the same time that.
He was sleeping while I was singing.
Driving while intoxicated is against the law.
Despite
Evil feeling; malice, spite, annoyance.
While
Although.
This case, while interesting, is a bit frustrating.
While I would love to help, I am very busy at the moment.
Despite
(obsolete) To vex; to annoy; to offend contemptuously.
While
Until.
I'll wait while you've finished painting.
Despite
Malice; malignity; spite; malicious anger; contemptuous hate.
With all thy despite against the land of Israel.
While
As long as.
While you're at school you may live at home.
Despite
An act of malice, hatred, or defiance; contemptuous defiance; a deed of contempt.
A despite done against the Most High.
While
Until.
Despite
To vex; to annoy; to offend contemptuously.
While
To pass (time) idly.
I whiled away the hours whilst waiting for him to arrive
Despite
In spite of; against, or in defiance of; notwithstanding; as, despite his prejudices.
While
(transitive) To occupy or entertain (someone) in order to let time pass.
Despite
Contemptuous disregard;
She wanted neither favor nor despite
While
To elapse, to pass.
While
Alternative spelling or misspelling of wile.
While
Space of time, or continued duration, esp. when short; a time; as, one while we thought him innocent.
This mighty queen may no while endure.
[Some guest that] hath outside his welcome while,And tells the jest without the smile.
I will go forth and breathe the air a while.
While
That which requires time; labor; pains.
Satan . . . cast him how he might quite her while.
And so on us at whiles it falls, to claimPowers that we dread.
While
To cause to pass away pleasantly or without irksomeness or disgust; to spend or pass; - usually followed by away.
The lovely lady whiled the hours away.
While
To loiter.
While
During the time that; as long as; whilst; at the same time that; as, while I write, you sleep.
Use your memory; you will sensibly experience a gradual improvement, while you take care not to overload it.
While
Hence, under which circumstances; in which case; though; whereas.
While
Until; till.
I may be conveyed into your chamber;I'll lie under your bed while midnight.
While
A period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition;
He was here for a little while
I need to rest for a piece
A spell of good weather
A patch of bad weather
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Import vs. IntentNext Comparison
Fuzz vs. Hair