Meaning & Definition of word "Persist"

Persist

/pərˈsɪst/

verb:

  • 1. To continue firmly in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.
    • Example: Despite numerous setbacks, she decided to persist with her research until she found a solution.
  • 2. To remain in a particular state or condition.
    • Example: Even after the storm, the cold weather continued to persist for days.
  • 3. To last or endure over a period of time.
    • Example: The issues with the software persisted even after the latest update.

Etymology

Latin 'persistere', from 'per-' meaning 'through' + 'sistere' meaning 'to stand'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

persist in doing something:

To continue doing something despite challenges.

persist despite setbacks:

To continue on despite difficulties or failures.

persist with something:

To carry on with a particular course of action.

Related Words

persevere:

To continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success.

endure:

To suffer patiently.

Slang Meanings of persist

Meaning: Keep at it

Example Sentence: When things get tough, just keep at it.

Meaning: Hang in there

Example Sentence: Even if it gets hard, hang in there and don't give up.