spite
Spite (noun) means a petty desire to annoy, hurt, or upset someone. Example: “She only said it out of spite, not because it was true.”
How to use spite
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small, mean urge to upset someone, or (as "in spite of") a way of saying "despite."
Don't confuse the noun "spite" (ill will) with the unrelated verb "spit."
Word forms
spited past tense, spites plural, spites singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She only said it out of _____, not because it was true.
Etymology
A shortened form of Middle English despit, itself from Old French despit and Latin dēspectus, "looking down on" — the same root as "despise" and "despite."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for spite
See all rhymes for spite →Frequently asked questions
What does “spite” mean?
The word “spite” means a petty desire to annoy, hurt, or upset someone. In plain terms, a small, mean urge to upset someone, or (as "in spite of") a way of saying "despite.".
How do you pronounce “spite”?
“Spite” is pronounced spyt (/spaɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “spite” in a sentence?
Here is “spite” used in a sentence: “She only said it out of spite, not because it was true.”
What part of speech is “spite”?
Depending on how it is used, “spite” can be a noun, a verb and a preposition.
Where does the word “spite” come from?
The word “spite” comes from Latin. A shortened form of Middle English despit, itself from Old French despit and Latin dēspectus, "looking down on" — the same root as "despise" and "despite.".
Is “spite” a common word?
“Spite” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “spite” have?
“Spite” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a petty desire to annoy, hurt, or upset someone.
What is the difference between "in spite of" and "despite"?
They mean the same thing — notwithstanding — and are interchangeable: "In spite of the rain" equals "Despite the rain." The main trap is that despite is never followed by "of", and both expressions take a noun, pronoun, or -ing form rather than a full clause.
What is the difference between spite and malice?
Both involve a desire to hurt, but spite is petty and personal — a small-minded urge to annoy or upset someone, often over a grudge. Malice is stronger and broader, meaning a wish to cause real harm, and it also carries legal weight in phrases like "with malice aforethought".