考研英语常考介词despite
1.prep.尽管;虽然
You use despite to introduce a fact which makes the other part of the sentence surprising.
Despite a thorough investigation, no trace of this doctor has been found...
尽管进行了彻底的调查，还是没有发现这位博士的任何踪迹。
Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle viewed laughter as "a bodily exercise precious to health." But _____some claims to the contrary, laughing probably has little influence on physical fitness. (2011年英一完型填空)
1.[A]among [B]except [C]despite [D]like
But _____some claims to the contrary, laughing probably has little influence on physical fitness. 调整顺序为 _____some claims to the contrary, but laughing probably has little influence on physical fitness.
But后面跟的内容讲笑对健康几乎没影响
根据despite用法其后面跟的是客观信息和客观情况，即：introduce a fact，
despite some claims to the contrary尽管有的人看法相反=重申第一句话:Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle viewed laughter as "a bodily exercise precious to health.
即：认为笑对身体健康很重要和but后内容形成对比转折。
正确选项：[C]despite
重点了解第一个用法
2.PREP 不由自主;情不自禁
If you do something despite yourself you do it although you did not really intend or expect to.
Despite myself, his remarks had caused me to stop and reflect.
哈里的话让我不由自主地停下来细想。
