de·spite
Pronounced:
/dɪˈspaɪt/
Function:
prepositionMeaning:
: without being prevented by (something) —used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true ▪ Despite [=in spite of] our objections, he insisted on driving. ▪ She ran the race despite an injury. ▪ Despite our best efforts to save him, the patient died during the night. ▪ They are not getting married, despite rumors to the contrary. [=even though there have been rumors saying they are getting married] ▪ Despite its small size, the device is able to store thousands of hours of music. ▪ The law has yet to be passed, despite the fact that most people are in favor of it.
despite yourself
: even though you do not want to ▪ She stared at the couple despite herself. ▪ Despite myself, I began to enjoy the movie. ▪ They grew to love each other, almost despite themselves.