Main Difference – Despite vs Although
Both despite and although are used to indicate a contrast; however, there are differences in the way they are used in sentences. The grammatical differences between these two terms are the main cause behind the difference between despite and although; although is a conjunction whereas despite is a preposition. Accordingly, their uses also change. Thus, the main difference between despite and although is that although is a subordinating conjunction whereas despite is a preposition.
This article covers,
1. What Does Despite Mean – Grammar, Meaning, and Usage with Examples
2. What Does Although Mean – Grammar, Meaning, and Usage with Examples
3. Difference Between Despite and Although 
What Does Despite Mean – Grammar, Meaning and Usage
Despite is used to show a contrast between two things; it has the same meaning as in spite of, regardless of, or notwithstanding, etc. Despite is a preposition. Therefore, it always follows a noun or a pronoun. You can observe these features in the following examples.
She danced with him despite the pain in her leg.
Brent didn’t take an umbrella despite the rain.
He enjoyed the holiday despite the weather.
Allison didn’t pass the exam despite her hard work.
She sang louder despite the noise.
They wore sweater despite the hot weather.
Despite having all necessary qualifications, he was not selected.
The fishermen went to sea despite the rain.
What Does Although Mean – Grammar, Meaning and Usage
Although is a subordinating conjunction. A subordinating conjunction can link two clauses together. Although can be used at the beginning or middle of a sentence.
For example,
Although + Clause 1 + Clause 2
Although he was tired, he agreed to meet her.
Clause 1+ Although+ Clause 2
He agreed to meet her although he was tired.
When although is at the beginning of the sentence, a comma is used to mark the end of the first clause. But when it is at the middle of the sentence, a comma is not required.
Although always precedes a clause. It is also immediately followed by the subject of the clause. For example,
Although he is a millionaire, he lives in a cottage.
He is very unhappy although he has a lot of money.
Although she was content in her new job, she missed her old colleagues.
It is important to know that although and despite cannot be used interchangeably without making small changes to the sentence. For example,
He went out although he didn’t have an umbrella.
He went out despite he didn’t have an umbrella. X
The second sentence is an attempt to replace although with despite. But, you’ll observe that it has no complete meaning. But this can be remedied by using the phrase “despite the fact” instead of “despite”.
He went out despite the fact that he didn’t have an umbrella.
They were happy although they didn’t have a lot of money.
Difference Between Despite and Although
Part of Speech
Despite is a preposition.
Although is a subordinating conjunction.
Order
Despite is followed by a noun or pronoun.
Although is followed by a clause. (subject and verb)
Clause
Despite cannot link clauses.
Although can link two clauses.
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