Despite this argument
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Wörtlich: In spite of this point of contention
Use it to politely dismiss a counter-point while maintaining your own logical position in a formal setting.
In 15 Sekunden
- Acknowledge their point but keep your original stance.
- Perfect for transitions in formal debates or essays.
- Shows you are listening without agreeing to change.
Bedeutung
You use this phrase to acknowledge a strong point someone just made, but then immediately explain why your own opinion is still correct. It is like saying, 'I hear you, but here is why I am not changing my mind.'
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6A business meeting about budget cuts
Despite this argument for more staff, we must reduce spending.
Even though you argued for more staff, we still have to cut costs.
Discussing a movie with a friend
Despite this argument about the plot holes, I still loved the film.
Even though you pointed out the plot holes, I still liked it.
Writing a university essay
Despite this argument by Smith (2020), the data suggests otherwise.
Even though Smith made that point, the data shows something else.
Kultureller Hintergrund
This phrase reflects the Western rhetorical tradition of 'concession and refutation.' It became a staple in academic writing and legal discourse to show that a speaker has considered opposing views, which is a sign of high-level critical thinking in English-speaking cultures.
The 'Pauseless' Pivot
In speech, add a tiny pause after 'argument' to let the weight of your disagreement sink in before you continue.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this three times in one meeting, you'll sound like you're not actually listening. Save it for the most important point.
In 15 Sekunden
- Acknowledge their point but keep your original stance.
- Perfect for transitions in formal debates or essays.
- Shows you are listening without agreeing to change.
What It Means
Think of despite this argument as a verbal bridge. You are standing on one side with your opinion. Your friend is on the other side with theirs. By saying this, you walk halfway across the bridge to show you listened. Then, you walk right back to your side. It acknowledges that the other person isn't talking nonsense. However, it signals that their logic isn't strong enough to win the debate.
How To Use It
Place this phrase at the start of a sentence to pivot. It usually follows a long explanation from someone else. You can say it after a colleague lists reasons to delay a project. You might say, Despite this argument, we must launch on Monday. It acts as a polite but firm 'no.' It keeps the conversation professional while you hold your ground. Use it when you want to sound smart and composed.
When To Use It
You will mostly use this in serious discussions. It is perfect for business meetings or academic essays. Use it when you need to be the 'adult in the room.' It works well when someone gives a valid excuse, but the result remains the same. For example, if your roommate explains why they didn't wash the dishes, you could say, Despite this argument, the kitchen still smells. It shows you are focused on facts, not just feelings.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this in very casual or high-emotion settings. If your partner is crying about a broken heart, do not say despite this argument. You will look like a robot. Also, do not use it if the other person hasn't actually made an argument. If they just said 'I'm hungry,' responding with this phrase makes you sound like a pretentious dictionary. It requires a logical point to react to.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and US, value 'fair play' in debates. We like to pretend we are considering all sides. This phrase is a tool for that. It comes from a legalistic tradition of weighing evidence. It suggests that you are a rational person who makes decisions based on logic. It is the linguistic version of a polite nod before a counter-punch.
Common Variations
You can swap it for notwithstanding this point if you want to sound even fancier. In spite of these claims is another common cousin. If you're feeling a bit more casual, you might just say even so. But despite this argument remains the gold standard for formal disagreement. It sounds authoritative without being aggressive.
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase is a C2-level marker of fluency. It requires a clear understanding of the preceding context to be effective. It is most at home in formal writing and professional speech.
The 'Pauseless' Pivot
In speech, add a tiny pause after 'argument' to let the weight of your disagreement sink in before you continue.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this three times in one meeting, you'll sound like you're not actually listening. Save it for the most important point.
The 'Polite No'
In English culture, directly saying 'You are wrong' is often seen as rude. This phrase is a 'softener' that lets you be firm without being a jerk.
Beispiele
6Despite this argument for more staff, we must reduce spending.
Even though you argued for more staff, we still have to cut costs.
Shows the speaker heard the request but the budget reality wins.
Despite this argument about the plot holes, I still loved the film.
Even though you pointed out the plot holes, I still liked it.
A slightly more formal way to disagree about a hobby.
Despite this argument by Smith (2020), the data suggests otherwise.
Even though Smith made that point, the data shows something else.
Classic academic usage to challenge a previous researcher.
Despite this argument that pineapple is a fruit, it does not belong on pizza.
Even if you say pineapple is a fruit, it's still wrong on pizza.
Uses formal language for a silly topic to create irony.
Despite this argument that we need sleep, let's stay for one more song!
I know we need sleep, but let's stay anyway!
Playfully formal in a text message context.
Despite this argument about our history here, we need a bigger home for the baby.
I know we have memories here, but we need more space.
Balances logic with emotional sensitivity.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best phrase to show you heard the objection but won't change your mind.
The team lead said the deadline was too tight. ___, the director insisted on the Friday launch.
The context shows a conflict between the lead and the director, so a phrase of contrast is needed.
Complete the academic sentence.
___ that the economy is recovering, unemployment remains high.
This introduces a counter-point to the idea of economic recovery.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of Disagreement
Used with friends
But still...
Standard conversation
Even so...
Professional/Academic
Despite this argument...
Legal/Diplomatic
Notwithstanding the aforementioned...
Where to use 'Despite this argument'
Boardroom
Rejecting a proposal politely
University
Writing a thesis chapter
Courtroom
Refuting a witness
Serious Editorial
Writing a newspaper opinion
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot necessarily! In this context, argument means a logical point or a reason given in a discussion, not a shouting match.
Yes, but it will sound very deliberate. It's great if you want to sound like you're being extra serious or even a bit funny about a small debate.
But is simple and quick. Despite this argument is more sophisticated and shows you've actually processed what the other person said.
Usually, yes. It acts as a transition. You can say, The results were poor, despite this argument, but it's less common.
It's usually singular if you are responding to one specific point. Use Despite these arguments if the person gave you a whole list of reasons.
Absolutely! It is a high-level cohesive device that will help you score better in the 'Coherence and Cohesion' category.
No, it actually sounds quite calm. It's much less aggressive than saying I disagree or You're wrong.
You can say Despite this point or Despite this reasoning. They mean almost the exact same thing.
It is used equally in both! It is standard English across the globe.
No. This phrase is specifically for when you are going to say something that contradicts or ignores the previous point.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Be that as it may
Accepting that a fact is true but stating it doesn't change the situation.
Nevertheless
A formal way to say 'in spite of that'.
That being said
Used to introduce a contrasting point after acknowledging something.
Notwithstanding
A very formal preposition meaning 'despite'.
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