What it means
をよそに follows a noun referring to a concern, criticism, expectation, warning, or surrounding reaction and indicates that someone acts without regard to it. It often presents a contrast between what others think or worry about and what the subject actually does. The expression is especially common in written, formal, or report-like descriptions and can carry a nuance of boldly disregarding something rather than merely failing to notice it.
Usage note
をよそに is generally more formal and literary than simple expressions such as を無視して. It usually attaches to a noun, and the noun commonly represents another person's concern, advice, criticism, or expectations.
How to use it
周囲の心配をよそに、彼は海外留学を決意しました。
Ignoring the concerns of those around him, he decided to study abroad.
周囲の心配をよそに、彼は海外留学を決意した。
Ignoring the concerns of those around him, he decided to study abroad.
Example sentences
住民の懸念をよそに、市は駅前の樹木を伐採して大型駐車場を整備した。
Disregarding the residents’ concerns, the city cut down the trees in front of the station and developed a large parking lot.
周囲の反対をよそに、彼女は海外で小さな出版社を立ち上げた。