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perseverance

[ pur-suh-veer-uhns ]
/ ˌpɜr səˈvɪər əns /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR perseverance

noun

steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
Theology. continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.

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There are times in life where you have to show a tremendous amount of patience to get the thing that you want. During these times perseverance might be the best word to keep in mind to help you move forward.

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Origin of perseverance

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

synonym study for perseverance

1. 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.

OTHER WORDS FROM perseverance

per·se·ver·ant, adjectivenon·per·se·ver·ance, nounnon·per·se·ver·ant, adjective

Words nearby perseverance

Persephone, Persepolis, Perses, Perseus, Perseus cluster, perseverance, perseverate, perseveration, persevere, persevering, Pershing
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

VOCAB BUILDER

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.

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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

Words related to perseverance

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

Example sentences from the Web for perseverance

British Dictionary definitions for perseverance

perseverance
/ (ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns) /

noun

continued steady belief or efforts, withstanding discouragement or difficulty; persistence
Christianity persistence in remaining in a state of grace until death

Derived forms of perseverance

perseverant, 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