Malgrado
Despite
Literally: Bad-pleasure or ill-will
Use `malgrado` to sound sophisticated and professional when describing an outcome that happened despite an obstacle.
In 15 Seconds
- A high-level way to say 'despite' or 'in spite of'.
- Used primarily in formal writing, speeches, or legal contexts.
- Followed directly by a noun without needing extra prepositions.
Meaning
Think of it as a fancy way to say 'despite' or 'notwithstanding'. It's used when something happens even though there's a big obstacle in the way.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a formal business report
Malgrado a crise econômica, a empresa cresceu 10%.
Despite the economic crisis, the company grew 10%.
A news anchor reporting on a storm
Malgrado a chuva torrencial, o evento ocorreu normalmente.
Despite the torrential rain, the event took place normally.
Writing a heartfelt letter
Malgrado a distância, meu amor por ti permanece inalterado.
Despite the distance, my love for you remains unchanged.
Cultural Background
The term stems from the Latin 'malum gratum', literally meaning 'badly pleasing'. It reflects a Romance language tradition of expressing concession through the lens of 'will' or 'pleasure'. In modern Lusophone culture, using it correctly is often seen as a sign of a very high level of education (C2 level).
No 'de' needed
Unlike `apesar de`, you never put `de` after `malgrado`. It's just `malgrado o problema`, not `malgrado de o problema`.
Don't overdo it
Using this in a casual bar setting will make you sound like you're reading from a 200-year-old book. Save it for the office!
In 15 Seconds
- A high-level way to say 'despite' or 'in spite of'.
- Used primarily in formal writing, speeches, or legal contexts.
- Followed directly by a noun without needing extra prepositions.
What It Means
Malgrado is a sophisticated word that signals a contrast. It comes from the idea of something happening against someone's will or 'bad grace'. When you use it, you're saying 'even with this problem, the result happened'. It’s like saying 'in spite of' but with a tuxedo on. It adds a layer of intellectual weight to your sentence.
How To Use It
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.
When To Use It
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.
When NOT To Use It
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.
Cultural Background
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.
Common Variations
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.
Usage Notes
This is a C2-level word. It is strictly formal and should be reserved for academic, legal, or highly professional writing.
No 'de' needed
Unlike `apesar de`, you never put `de` after `malgrado`. It's just `malgrado o problema`, not `malgrado de o problema`.
Don't overdo it
Using this in a casual bar setting will make you sound like you're reading from a 200-year-old book. Save it for the office!
The 'Cultured' Badge
In Brazil, using `malgrado` correctly in an essay is a 'cheat code' to show the examiner you have an advanced vocabulary.
Examples
6Malgrado a crise econômica, a empresa cresceu 10%.
Despite the economic crisis, the company grew 10%.
Shows resilience in a professional setting.
Malgrado a chuva torrencial, o evento ocorreu normalmente.
Despite the torrential rain, the event took place normally.
Commonly used in journalistic reporting.
Malgrado a distância, meu amor por ti permanece inalterado.
Despite the distance, my love for you remains unchanged.
Adds a poetic, serious tone to emotions.
Malgrado sua chatice, eu ainda gosto de você.
Despite your annoyance, I still like you.
Using a very formal word for a silly topic creates humor.
Malgrado os argumentos contrários, a lei foi aprovada.
Despite the opposing arguments, the law was passed.
Standard usage in legal or legislative contexts.
Malgrado o atraso do trem, chegarei a tempo para a reunião.
Despite the train delay, I will arrive in time for the meeting.
Professional but slightly more flexible for work texts.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete this formal sentence.
___ os esforços da equipe, o projeto foi cancelado.
`Malgrado` is followed by a noun phrase ('os esforços'), whereas 'embora' requires a verb.
Which word makes this sentence sound most formal?
___ o cansaço, ele continuou estudando.
While 'apesar de' is correct, 'malgrado' is the highest level of formality.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of 'Despite'
Used with friends
Mesmo com
Everyday use
Apesar de
Business/News
Não obstante
Academic/Legal
Malgrado
When to use Malgrado
Academic Thesis
Malgrado as evidências...
Legal Document
Malgrado a petição...
Serious News
Malgrado os riscos...
Formal Speech
Malgrado os desafios...
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, they mean the same thing, but malgrado is much more formal. You can use them interchangeably in terms of meaning, but not in terms of social context.
Usually, no. It is followed by a noun or noun phrase. For verbs, you would use embora or ainda que.
It is used in both! It's a standard part of formal Portuguese across all Lusophone countries.
No, malgrado is an invariable preposition in this context. It never changes to 'malgrados'.
Because it is! Mal means bad and grado means will/pleasure. It literally means 'against one's will'.
Yes, if the email is about a serious matter or a formal report, it's a great choice.
Definitely writing. You'll rarely hear it in casual conversation unless someone is giving a speech.
There isn't a direct opposite, but devido a (due to) is often used for the cause of something, rather than the obstacle.
Yes! They share the same Latin origin and mean exactly the same thing.
Absolutely. For example: Malgrado o frio, ela saiu. (Despite the cold, she went out.)
Related Phrases
Apesar de
Não obstante
A despeito de
Conquanto
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