They are synonims, but differ grammatically: 1. In spite of smth, In spite of the fact that ... 2. Despite smth, Despite the fact that ... Common mistake: Despite of ... Despite the question being very simple, you still asked it. In spite of the fact that the question was simple, you still asked it.

'Despite' is the same as 'in spite of'. We say 'in spite of', but 'despite' (without of): 'She wasn't well, but despite this she went to work.' 'In spite of what I said yesterday, I still love you.' After 'in spite of' or 'depite', we use a noun, pronoun (this/that/what etc) or -ing: 'We enjoyed our holiday in spite of the rain,.' 'We enjoyed our holiday despite the rain.' 'Although it rained, we enjoyed our holiday.' (although + subject + verb) = We use them to show contrast between two clauses or two sentences.

yes, they 're same meaning.