Used to indicate that one did not intend or expect to do the thing mentioned.
‘despite herself Fran felt a ripple of appreciation for his beauty’
‘Also controversial was his use of front-wheel-drive, which a reluctant British market came to accept despite itself.’
‘And there's some funny business, although you might occasionally laugh despite yourself.’
‘One of the things that happens when you are in power for a long time is that, despite yourself, you become the status quo.’
‘The photograph effects a metamorphosis, not only of the object but of the subject, including the photographer, as well as of everyday reality, making them enter its realm, even despite themselves.’
‘The subtlest aspect of the movie is its attention to how Sam and Alex conceal information from each other as they start opening up despite themselves to their new environment.’
‘He and his teammates continued to make basic errors and almost despite themselves, Australia managed to level the scores.’
‘I spent a lot of time at their house while I was growing up and despite themselves they made the house a warm and fun place to visit.’
‘It attempts to titillate but with a degree of sophistication that has us all watching despite ourselves.’
‘It was a grubby, grotty, sleazy, cruisy dive, but it had atmosphere, and we all loved it despite ourselves.’
‘I find myself, in some weird way, sticking up for him, despite myself.’
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