despite作介词有“不管”、“不在乎”、“虽有”的意思，作名词有“侮辱”、“憎恨”、“轻蔑的拒绝或不承认”的意思。despite用作介词时，与in spite of同义，都表示“尽管”、“虽然”、“不顾”之意，放在句首时，要接具体的成分。
despite的用法
1.despite表示尽管；虽然
(1)Despite a thorough investigation,no trace of Dr Southwell has been found...尽管进行了彻底的调查，还是没有发现索思韦尔博士的任何踪迹。
(2)The National Health Service has visibly deteriorated,despite increased spending...尽管支出在增加，但国民医疗保健服务的质量却明显下降了。
(3)He was obviously distressed despite being unconscious.虽然他自己未发觉，但他显然很忧心。
(4)She persevered in her idea despite obvious objections raised by friends.虽然朋友们明确反对，她还是坚持己见。
(5)Despite his bulk he moved lightly on his feet.尽管他身形庞大，移动起来还是很灵巧。
(6)They were all in top hats and cutaways despite the growing heat.虽然天气越来越热，他们仍全部戴着高顶礼帽，穿着燕尾服。
2.despite表示不由自主；情不自禁
Despite myself,Harry's remarks had caused me to stop and reflect.哈里的话让我不由自主地停下来细想。
despite的常用相关短语
1.despite of不管，尽管，任凭
Despite of their unproductive work,they mostly make good money.
尽管他们的非生产性工作，他们大多是好钱。
2.despite that+句子，其中that是作为宾语从句的先行词来用的，后面的句子是宾语从句。
3.despite the fact that+句子，表示的意思是：尽管。
4.in spite of
(1)in spite of +宾语 作让步状语，表示“不顾”，“尽管”，“虽然”之意。
(2)in spite of the fact that xxx (从句)做”不顾XXX事实”讲。