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perseverance

[pur-suh-veer-uhns]
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noun
  1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
  2. Theology. continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.
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Origin of perseverance

1300–50; Middle English perseveraunce < Middle French perseverance < Latin persevērantia. See persevere, -ance
Related formsper·se·ver·ant, adjectivenon·per·se·ver·ance, nounnon·per·se·ver·ant, adjective

Synonyms

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1. doggedness, steadfastness. 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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

spunk, moxie, grit, endurance, stamina, determination, tenacity, dedication, steadfastness, persistence, continuance, constancy, backbone, pertinacity, guts, drive, pluck, purposefulness, doggedness, cool

Examples from the Web for perseverance

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • I have often heard Pericles speak of his childish obstinacy and perseverance.

    Philothea

    Lydia Maria Child

  • I sincerely wish you, sir, the success your perseverance so well deserves.

  • But in his heart, I am sure, he was relieved by my perseverance in the project.

    In the Valley

    Harold Frederic

  • As to that wretch's perseverance, those only, who know not the man, will wonder at it.

    Clarissa, Volume 2 (of 9)

    Samuel Richardson

  • The bears are put off the scent; they have no perseverance, and have grown tired waiting for us.

    The Field of Ice

    Jules Verne

British Dictionary definitions for perseverance

perseverance

noun
  1. continued steady belief or efforts, withstanding discouragement or difficulty; persistence
  2. Christianity persistence in remaining in a state of grace until death
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Derived Formsperseverant, adjective
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

Word Origin and History for perseverance

n.

mid-14c., from Old French perseverance "persistence, endurance" (12c., Modern French persévérance) and directly from Latin perseverantia "steadfastness, constancy," from perseverantem (nominative perseverans), from perseverare (see persevere).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper