in spite of spite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in spite of spite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a situation where someone continues to act positively or constructively despite feelings of resentment or ill will. Example: "She decided to help him with the project in spite of spite, knowing that it was the right thing to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In essence, fairness evolves in spite of spite, when players start out using different strategies.

Science Magazine

Your friend, in spite of spite, Anjelica, aka Cher (Kieltyka to Bailey, p.e.c., May 16, 2003; ellipses in original unless in brackets) Kieltyka added a postscript saying she was enclosing "two recent pictures of me in maskon mode"—i.e., she supplied Bailey two more photos of herself crossdressed pre-transition and she added, "see maskon.com for some missing trans links".

Archives of Sexual Behavior

Your friend, in spite of spite, Anjelica, aka Cher (Kieltyka to Bailey, p.e.c., May 16, 2003; ellipses in original unless in brackets) Dear Mike, Thanks for the Cantor Review [i.e., Cantor, 2003]….I followed up on the links to your difficulties with some hysterical women [an apparent reference to Conway and James] when you wrote….

Archives of Sexual Behavior

For example, recall that on May 16, 2003, several weeks after she received the book and just after the backlash had started, Kieltyka jokingly offered to lend Bailey her old athletic support for his next book signing or lecture, and signed the email "Your friend, in spite of spite" (Kieltyka to Bailey, p.e.c., May 16, 2003).

Archives of Sexual Behavior

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Tillich uses the term 'in spite of' - in spite of all the horror there still is beauty, justice, goodness.

University of California, Berkeley

We are charmed in spite of ourselves and in spite of what Tennessee Williams intended.

The New York Times - Books

He thinks the play will succeed in spite of me, in spite of its lack of inspiration.

The Guardian

In spite of unemployment, in spite of hyperinflation, in spite of shortages, in spite of having to be incredibly creative just to survive, in spite of everything, they keep their sense of humour and generosity.I talk to a teacher living just outside of Harare.

The Economist

"It has gone very well in spite of the rain; in spite of the mud," he said.

The Guardian

Others, though, find themselves drawn to Israel in spite of themselves, and in spite of the danger.

The New York Times

One longs, in spite of the impertinence, in spite of the risk of blasphemy, to cry out!

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "in spite of spite" when you want to emphasize that a positive outcome or action occurred even though there were strong feelings of resentment or animosity present. For instance, you can say "Fairness evolves "in spite of spite" when players start out using different strategies" to illustrate the surprising emergence of fairness.

Common error

Avoid using "in spite of spite" in everyday casual conversation, as it can sound overly formal or dramatic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "despite the resentment" or "regardless of the ill will" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in spite of spite" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause to indicate that an action or outcome occurs despite the presence of resentment or ill will. As Ludwig AI says, fairness evolves in spite of spite.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in spite of spite" is a grammatically correct but rare adverbial phrase, primarily found in scientific contexts. It's used to emphasize that an action or outcome occurs despite underlying feelings of resentment or ill will. Ludwig AI says that fairness evolves in spite of spite. While technically sound, it's best reserved for contexts where you want to highlight the unexpected triumph over negativity. For more casual settings, consider simpler alternatives like "despite the resentment". Its limited use contributes to its designation as rare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

despite the resentment

Focuses on overcoming the feeling of resentment.

regardless of ill will

Emphasizes the act of proceeding without being influenced by negative intentions.

overcoming animosity

Highlights the action of surpassing a state of animosity.

in defiance of malice

Suggests a stronger opposition to malevolent intent.

triumphing over bitterness

Emphasizes victory over a feeling of bitterness.

transcending spitefulness

Focuses on rising above a state of spitefulness.

notwithstanding the animus

Uses a more formal term (animus) to denote strong dislike or prejudice.

ignoring the grudge

Highlights the act of disregarding a persistent feeling of resentment.

disregarding antagonism

Emphasizes overlooking feelings of mutual opposition or hostility.

defying antagonism

Emphasizes resisting feelings of mutual opposition or hostility.

FAQs

How can I use "in spite of spite" in a sentence?

You can use "in spite of spite" to show that something positive happened even though there was underlying resentment. For example, "She succeeded, in spite of spite, by focusing on the task at hand."

What phrases are similar to "in spite of spite"?

Similar phrases include "despite the resentment", "regardless of ill will", or "overcoming animosity". These alternatives all convey the idea of acting positively despite negative feelings.

Is it better to say "in spite of spite" or "despite spite"?

"In spite of spite" is a valid phrase, but "despite spite" is more concise and commonly used. Both suggest acting against feelings of resentment.

What's the difference between "in spite of spite" and "in spite of oneself"?

"In spite of spite" refers to acting against feelings of resentment or animosity. "In spite of oneself" means acting against one's own intentions or usual behavior, often due to an irresistible impulse.