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

Other Word Forms

• perseverant adjective
• nonperseverance 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 can encourage perseverance but it also may prevent Thai people from seeking help because of fears that their community will believe they did not try hard enough.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The parents of a nine-month-old baby who died after choking at nursery say after four years of "unimaginable pain, perseverance and emotional endurance" they are glad to have reached a financial settlement.

Read more on BBC

These skills, moreover, and this predominance, reflected a vital feeling for raw materials, a deep aesthetic sense and a work ethic rooted in steely perseverance and in a respect for long apprenticeship and repetitive training.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"There's almost nothing you can do in life without perseverance," he said.

Read more on BBC

"People only see my appearance and my bikini. But behind this appearance, there are years of suffering, effort and perseverance. These successes have not come easily."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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

When To Use

What does perseverance mean?

Perseverance is the quality of those who persevere—continue to do or try to achieve something despite difficulty or discouragement. A close synonym is persistence.Perseverance can also refer to the act of persevering, as in Only through hard work and perseverance will we be able to achieve our goal—it will not be easy. The word is typically used in a positive way to refer to the quality of someone who doesn’t give up no matter what. A person who keeps trying despite major challenges and setbacks is said to show perseverance.Example: You showed great perseverance by recovering from your injury to compete at an even higher level.