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View synonyms for perseverance

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • ˌperseˈverant, adjective
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Other Words From

  • per·se·ver·ant adjective
  • non·per·se·ver·ance noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of perseverance1

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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?

What are some synonyms for perseverance?

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

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

How is perseverance used in real life?

Perseverance is almost always discussed as a positive quality.

 

 

Try using perseverance!

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

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

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Perseus clusterperseverant