perseverance

[ pur-suh-veer-uhns ]

noun

1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

   Synonyms: steadfastness, doggedness

2. Theology. continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.

perseverance

/ ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns /

noun

1. continued steady belief or efforts, withstanding discouragement or difficulty; persistence
2. Christianity persistence in remaining in a state of grace until death

Derived Forms

• ˌperseˈverant, adjective

Other Words From

• per·se·ver·ant adjective
• non·per·se·ver·ance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of perseverance¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English perseveraunce, from Middle French perseverance, from Latin persevērantia; persevere, -ance

Synonym Study

Perseverance, persistence, tenacity, pertinacity imply resolute and unyielding holding on in following a course of action. Perseverance commonly suggests activity maintained in spite of difficulties or steadfast and long-continued application: Endurance and perseverance combined to win in the end. It is regularly used in a favorable sense. Persistence, which may be used in either a favorable or an unfavorable sense, implies unremitting (and sometimes annoying) perseverance: persistence in a belief; persistence in talking when others wish to study. Tenacity, with the original meaning of adhesiveness, as of glue, is a dogged and determined holding on. Whether used literally or figuratively it has favorable implications: a bulldog quality of tenacity; the tenacity of one's memory. Pertinacity, unlike its related word, is used chiefly in an unfavorable sense, that of overinsistent tenacity: the pertinacity of the social climber.

Example Sentences

“This is what you call perseverance, ladies and gentlemen,” Greenfield said.

From The Daily Beast

With a backbone of steel, she matched her husband in intelligence, perseverance, and strength of spirit.

From The Daily Beast

The amount of discipline and perseverance that it takes to train for a fight is incredible.

From The Daily Beast

One thinks of Viktor Frankl here—“What is to give light must endure burning”—and his philosophy of human perseverance.

From The Daily Beast

This ties to me a long history and beautiful culture of accomplishment and perseverance.

From The Daily Beast

She has an obstinacy and a perseverance in sticking at you that drive you almost wild, but make you learn "lots" in the end.

From Project Gutenberg

The students of the great Universities of Scotland offer, perhaps, the most striking proofs of perseverance to be found.

From Project Gutenberg

Lewis Hayden by perseverance, may yet become a very wealthy man.

From Project Gutenberg

There are many Mahomedans among the inhabitants, who surpass the Hindoos in industry and perseverance.

From Project Gutenberg

There is great perseverance, aye, moral courage of no mean order, in his survival in the movement.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dedication
• determination
• endurance
• grit
• moxie
• persistence
• spunk
• stamina
• steadfastness
• tenacity