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

In surveying the damage over several years, Imbolo Mbue crafts an aching narrative about greed, community and perseverance.

From Time

The album embodied King’s musical genius, capturing her optimism and perseverance, which enabled her to make it in a man’s world and has given the album great longevity and appeal to fans of all types of music.

From Washington Post

Our perseverance lies in recognizing our reliance on the Earth system, not our dominance of it.

From Nautilus

The stories from entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses and the never-ending tales of heartache, perseverance, and resilience.

From Fortune

The companies that thrived in 2020 mastered the art of perseverance — and how they did so is instructive.

From Digiday

“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

More About Perseverance

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.

Where does perseverance come from?

The first records of the word perseverance come from the 1300s. It ultimately derives from the Latin persevērāre, meaning “to persist,” from persevērus, “very strict.”

Perseverance takes strict discipline. People who show perseverance may want to give up, but they keep going. Perseverance is often associated with other qualities that are thought to be essential for achieving success, like patience and a willingness to work hard. But perseverance is more than working hard—it’s continuing to work hard even after failing.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to perseverance?

• persevere (verb)
• perseverant (adjective)

What are some synonyms for perseverance?

• persistence
• doggedness
• steadfastness
• endurance
• tenacity

What are some words that share a root or word element with perseverance? 

• persevering
• perseverate
• severe

What are some words that often get used in discussing perseverance?

• patience
• work
• effort
• dedication
• adversity
• challenges
• obstacles
• difficulty
• courage

How is perseverance used in real life?

Perseverance is almost always discussed as a positive quality.

For decades, Mrs. Campbell was a champion for racial justice and social change, who bolstered her hardscrabble neighborhood and its residents through decades of perseverance and hard work — much of it unpaid. At least, in dollars. https://t.co/yuYHYxBOpP

— Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (@PittsburghPG) September 8, 2018

This skier with one leg showed unbelievable perseverance and determination to get to the top. Presented by @toyotamotorcorp pic.twitter.com/DL914jnTsv

— NowThis (@nowthisnews) January 23, 2018

When a child learns to walk and falls down 50 times, he never thinks to himself: "maybe this isn't for me?" Learn perseverance from toddlers. ⛱ #YouAreEnough

— SEGA L'éveilleur®🚨 (@segalink) September 6, 2020

 

 

Try using perseverance!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of perseverance?

A. persistence
B. intelligence
C. tenacity
D. endurance