WordGarden.iopersist
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /pəsˈɪst/
US
- /pərˈsɪst/
Meanings
Verb
to continue to exist, remain present, or keep happening
to keep doing, trying, or asserting something despite difficulty or opposition
to store data so it remains available after the current operation or session
Beyond the definition
Imagine a tiny seed pushing its way through hard soil toward the sunlight. That's persistence in action. To persist means to keep going even when something is hard or when people or problems stand in your way. It's not just about trying once; it's about not giving up when things get tough. A dripping faucet might continue for hours, annoying everyone nearby. An athlete might keep going through hard training to reach a goal. Sometimes this quality leads to success, and sometimes it doesn't, but it always shows strong determination.
To persist means to continue steadily in existence or action despite facing obstacles, difficulties, or discouragement. It's more than just repeating an action; it implies a determined effort that doesn't easily yield. Think of a rumor – even when debunked, it might persist among certain people. Or consider a challenging problem: you might persist in trying to solve it for days, weeks, or even years.
The word can be used in several ways. As a verb, it describes the act of continuing ("She persisted in her efforts to learn French"). It can also describe something that continues to exist ("A faint smell of smoke still persisted in the air").
Persistence isn't always positive. A bad habit can persist despite your best intentions to break it. However, it is often seen as a valuable quality, essential for achieving success and overcoming challenges. Think of Marie Curie, who persisted through years of difficult research to discover radium and polonium.
The word "persist" comes from the Latin persistere, which carries the idea of continuing to stand firm. So when you persist, you keep your ground and refuse to be moved by adversity. Whether it's a lingering feeling, a stubborn problem, or a determined person, persistence is about steady continuation in the face of resistance.
Examples
- 1
Lingering smell
The smell of smoke persisted long after the fire was out.
- 2
Medical advice
If symptoms persist, call your doctor.
- 3
Software problem
The problem persisted even after the software update.
- 4
Repeated questions
She persisted in asking questions until someone gave her a clear answer.
- Patternpersist in doing X
keep doing it, often despite resistance
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Continuing plan
He persisted with the plan, even when the first results were disappointing.
- Patternpersist with + task/plan
keep working at it
- 6
Business rumors
Rumors about the company persisted for months.
- 7
Self-blame
“Why do you persist in blaming yourself?” she asked gently.
- 8
Exam attempts
Despite three failed attempts, Maya persisted and finally passed the exam.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- persistverb
Forms
- persistedpast tenseverb
- persistsverb
- persisting-ing formverb