In spite of his illness, he clung tenaciously to his job.

尽管有病，他仍顽强地坚持工作。

《柯林斯英汉双解大词典》

In the year 1796 Beethoven began losing his hearing. In spite of his illness he immersed himself in his work and created some of the greatest works of music.

然而自1796年来，贝多芬开始逐渐丧失听力，而他却无视疾病的折磨，潜心音乐，并不断创作出伟大的作品。

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He is cheerful in spite of his illness.

他尽管生病，精神却很愉快。

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His return to work in spite of his disfigurement and his illness won him praise for his bravery.

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