in spite of oneself
The phrase "in spite of oneself" describes actions or reactions that occur contrary to one's own intentions, often due to strong emotions or impulses.
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Definition
C1General
(idiomatic)Acting or reacting contrary to one's own intentions or desires.
Example
- She laughed in spite of herself when she heard the joke.
C1General
(idiomatic)Doing something unintentionally or involuntarily due to strong emotions or impulses.
Example
- He apologized in spite of himself after seeing her tears.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "in spite of oneself":