persistent

[ per-sis-tuhnt, -zis- ]

adjective

1. persisting, especially in spite of opposition, obstacles, discouragement, etc.; persevering:

   a most annoyingly persistent young man.

   Synonyms: tenacious, pertinacious, indefatigable

2. lasting or enduring tenaciously:

   the persistent aroma of verbena; a persistent cough.

3. constantly repeated; continued:

   persistent noise.

   Synonyms: steady, constant

   Antonyms: sporadic

4. Biology.
   1. continuing or permanent.
   2. having continuity of phylogenetic characteristics.
5. Botany. remaining attached beyond the usual time, as flowers, flower parts, or leaves.

persistent

/ pəˈsɪstənt /

adjective

1. showing persistence
2. incessantly repeated; unrelenting

   your persistent questioning

3. (of plant parts) remaining attached to the plant after the normal time of withering

   a fruit surrounded by a persistent perianth

4. zoology
   1. (of parts normally present only in young stages) present in the adult

      persistent gills in axolotls

   2. continuing to grow or develop after the normal period of growth

      persistent teeth

5. (of a chemical, esp when used as an insecticide) slow to break down; not easily degradable

Derived Forms

• perˈsistently, adverb

Other Words From

• per·sistent·ly adverb
• nonper·sistent adjective
• nonper·sistent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of persistent¹

First recorded in 1820–30; from Latin persistent- (stem of persistēns ), present participle of persistere “to stand firm, persist”; persist, -ent

Synonym Study

See stubborn.

Example Sentences

The North Korean hackers have proven to be a persistent adversary, if not the most skilled one.

From The Daily Beast

One of the most persistent myths in American politics is the media-fueled concept of the lame duck.

From The Daily Beast

However, throughout their relationship, there were persistent rumors that Brown was also still seeing Rihanna.

From The Daily Beast

Persistent rumors that Darren Wilson will not be indicted for putting six bullet holes in teenager Michael Brown.

From The Daily Beast

One possible answer was that the animal integrated fragments of the virus into its genes as a result of persistent infection.

From The Daily Beast

As a rule, however, persistent glycosuria is diagnostic of diabetes mellitus, of which disease it is the essential symptom.

From Project Gutenberg

Persistent glycosuria has been noted in brain injuries involving the floor of the fourth ventricle.

From Project Gutenberg

The courage and persistent hard work of the settlers and the leadership of Captain John Smith were invaluable.

From Project Gutenberg

She ran lightly down the stairs, pausing at the foot, as if ashamed of her persistent curiosity.

From Project Gutenberg

By persistent personal effort and the use of some political influence, he secured an appointment as Indian agent.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• constant
• continual
• endless
• enduring
• incessant
• insistent
• perpetual
• relentless
• repeated
• resolute
• steadfast
• steady
• stubborn
• tenacious
• unrelenting
• unremitting