spite

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "spite" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an informal noun meaning "the feeling of wanting to hurt someone because of anger or jealousy." Example sentence: I hate my brother, so I'm going to eat the last slice of cake, just out of spite.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Consider this: 62% of the survey's respondents hold more than 10% of their portfolio in cash, while 8% now have more than 50% in cash – in spite of the fact that, as US Trust officials note, they're actually becoming more positive about the outlook for financial markets.

The Guardian - Money

The Albion manager defended making 10 changes to the side that scrambled a 2-2 Premier League draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday, in spite of the 2-1 defeat at Dean Court three days later.

The Guardian - Sport

Norway and Iceland maintain commercial whaling programmes in spite of the 1986 International Whaling Commission (IWC) moratorium, but Japan insists its programme is scientific, while admitting that the resulting meat ends up on plates back at home.

The Guardian

The biggest casualty of the Iowa result was congresswoman Michele Bachmann, who came in sixth in spite of being front-runner last summer.

The Guardian

In spite of 17 productions at that theatre, her work – like that of many other female directors – barely featured in a retrospective for its 50th anniversary.

The Guardian

Similarly the Health and Social Care Act became law in spite of tremendous public and professional outcry against it, voted in by many politicians with interests in healthcare companies.

The Guardian - Business

In spite of the fact that our policy offer was pro-business, the rhetoric often suggested otherwise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Here are three more allegations made by students whose names have been removed: A student at a Russell Group university in the north of England says that in spite of gender equality on campus being an important issue on a national level, it appeared to go largely overlooked by year abroad organisers and support staff.

The Guardian

This is how I have earned and now own my place in academia, regardless – or in spite of – my "feminine" appearance.

The Guardian

But it turns out that in spite of a certain gloss in their tailoring and appearance, and the obligatory photogenic girlfriends (Turner is dating the American actress and model Arielle Vandenberg after a well-publicised split from his long-term girlfriend, the TV presenter Alexa Chung, in 2011. Cook and Helders are also engaged to models), Arctic Monkeys remain reassuringly un-LA.

The Guardian - Music

To this day, when using their online "food tracker", I manually score apples one point, just to spite them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in spite of", ensure it clearly indicates a contrast or unexpected outcome despite a given circumstance. For example, "In spite of the rain, the event was a success".

Common error

Avoid using "spite" interchangeably with "despite". "Despite" is a preposition meaning "notwithstanding", while "spite" refers to malicious intent or ill will. For example, it's correct to say "In spite of the challenges", not "In spite of the challenges".

Linguistic Context

The word "spite" functions primarily as a noun, denoting ill will or malice. It can also serve as a verb, meaning to treat maliciously or attempt to injure. Ludwig provides examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spite" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, denoting ill will or malicious intent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and frequent usage. While generally neutral in register, its implications are decidedly negative, describing actions motivated by a desire to harm or irritate. Its common usage in news and media highlights its relevance in portraying interpersonal and even geopolitical dynamics. Be mindful not to confuse "spite" with "despite". Use "spite" to accurately capture the essence of actions fueled by petty malice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ill will

Ill will is a general term for negative feelings or intentions towards someone, while "spite" is a more active expression of those feelings.

malice

Malice implies a deep-seated desire to cause harm, often with premeditation, which is a more intense form of ill will than simple spite.

vindictiveness

Vindictiveness implies a desire for revenge, which is a more targeted and retaliatory form of spite.

vengefulness

Vengefulness is similar to vindictiveness, emphasizing the desire to punish someone for a perceived wrong, a more focused type of spite.

malevolence

Malevolence suggests a deep-seated and often gratuitous desire to cause harm, which is a stronger and more sinister form of spite.

rancor

Rancor suggests a long-lasting resentment or bitter ill will, which is more persistent than a fleeting act of spite.

grudge

A grudge is a persistent feeling of resentment, which can fuel acts of spite but is more about holding onto past grievances.

resentment

Resentment is a feeling of indignation or displeasure at being treated unfairly, which can lead to acts of spite as a form of retaliation.

bitterness

Bitterness is a state of resentful or cynical feeling, often stemming from negative experiences, that can manifest as spiteful behavior.

malignity

Malignity implies a deeply ingrained disposition to do evil, which is a more extreme and less common form of spite.

FAQs

How can I use "spite" in a sentence?

"Spite" can be used as a noun, meaning ill will, or as a verb, meaning to treat maliciously. For example, "He acted out of spite" (noun) or "She did it to spite her ex-husband" (verb).

What does it mean to do something "out of spite"?

To do something "out of spite" means to do it because you want to annoy, upset, or harm someone, often in a petty or malicious way.

What are some synonyms for "spite"?

Synonyms for "spite" include "malice", "rancor", "ill will", and "vindictiveness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "in spite of" and "despite"?

"In spite of" and "despite" are generally interchangeable and mean "notwithstanding" or "regardless of". They both introduce a fact that makes the main clause of the sentence surprising.