Although and even though have a similar meaning to despite and in spite of . We use all of these words to say that a thing is surprising, unusual or unexpected in relation to another thing. This is called concession. While the meaning of these words is similar, there is a difference in how we use them. Although and even though are conjunctions . They have the same meaning. Even though is a little stronger than although . We use these structures: although + a clause even though + a clause Despite and in spite of are prepositions , and have the same meaning. They are used with these structures: despite + noun despite + verb + -ing in spite of + a noun in spite of + verb + -ing Although, even though vs. despite The examples below show us that although / even though and despite / in spite of are similar in mea...