Malgrado

You usually place malgrado right before a noun or a noun phrase. You don't need to add extra prepositions like de after it. Just say malgrado o tempo (despite the weather). It functions as a preposition. You can also use it to start a sentence for a dramatic effect. It’s a great tool for writing or formal debates.

Use this when you want to sound highly educated or professional. It’s perfect for a legal contract or a university thesis. Use it in a business meeting to impress a tough client. It works well when discussing serious obstacles. If you're writing a formal letter to a landlord, this is your friend. It shows you have a high command of the language.

Do not use this at a backyard barbecue with friends. You will sound like a 19th-century poet who got lost. Avoid it in casual text messages unless you're being ironic. If you're ordering a beer, stick to apesar de. Using malgrado while buying bread might get you some very confused looks. It’s too heavy for light, everyday small talk.

This word is a linguistic fossil from Old Portuguese and Latin roots. It shares a family tree with the French malgré. In Portugal and Brazil, it remains a mark of the 'Cultured Norm'. It’s often used by journalists and politicians to sound authoritative. It carries a sense of resilience and overcoming odds. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a firm, professional handshake.

The most common synonym is apesar de, which is much more common. You might also hear não obstante in legal circles. Sometimes people use a despeito de for a similar formal vibe. In very old texts, you might see mau grado, but that’s rare now. Stick to malgrado for that specific, high-level punch. It’s a single word that does a lot of heavy lifting.