persistent
Americanadjective
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persisting, especially in spite of opposition, obstacles, discouragement, etc.; persevering.
a most annoyingly persistent young man.
- Synonyms:
- tenacious, pertinacious, indefatigable
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lasting or enduring tenaciously.
the persistent aroma of verbena; a persistent cough.
-
constantly repeated; continued.
persistent noise.
- Antonyms:
- sporadic
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Biology.
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continuing or permanent.
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having continuity of phylogenetic characteristics.
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Botany. remaining attached beyond the usual time, as flowers, flower parts, or leaves.
adjective
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showing persistence
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incessantly repeated; unrelenting
your persistent questioning
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(of plant parts) remaining attached to the plant after the normal time of withering
a fruit surrounded by a persistent perianth
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zoology
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(of parts normally present only in young stages) present in the adult
persistent gills in axolotls
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continuing to grow or develop after the normal period of growth
persistent teeth
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(of a chemical, esp when used as an insecticide) slow to break down; not easily degradable
Synonym Usage
See stubborn.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of persistent
First recorded in 1820–30; from Latin persistent- (stem of persistēns ), present participle of persistere “to stand firm, persist”; see persist, -ent
Explanation
If something is persistent, it just won't stop. If you're persistent in your suggestions for a trip to Mexico, maybe your parents will eventually give in and take you there. Persistent comes from the Latin verb persistere which means "to continue with strength." A persistent salesman refuses to give up. A persistent ringing sound is one that repeats and repeats. Persistent rumors keep circulating, as does a persistent virus. Often something persistent is annoying. The related verb is persist, which means to continue to exist, or to go without stopping.
Vocabulary lists containing persistent
100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know
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List 3
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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"There is a need to address environmental TFA pollution because it is widespread, highly persistent, and levels are increasing," said Professor Hossaini.
From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026
China’s export growth accelerated in May, offering a vital lifeline to an economy otherwise bogged down by a persistent domestic slowdown.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
These moves can position your portfolio for persistent, elevated inflation:
From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026
A persistent foot injury stopped the 25-year-old training and competing consistently at the start of this season, and he admitted in April that the previous six months had been the toughest of his career.
From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026
So I was a tad straighter than I’d been the last couple days, and the ringing sounded a tad louder, a tad more persistent and, yes, maybe even a tad friendlier than usual.
From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
