persevere

[pur-suh-veer]

verb (used without object)

persevered, persevering 

1. to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.

2. to persist in speech, interrogation, argument, etc.; insist.

verb (used with object)

persevered, persevering 

1. to bolster, sustain, or uphold.

   unflagging faith that had persevered him.

persevere

/ ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪə /

verb

1. to show perseverance

Other Word Forms

• perseveringly adverb
• persevering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of persevere¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English perseveren, from Middle French perseverer, from Latin persevērāre “to persist,” derivative of persevērus “very strict”; per-, severe

Word History and Origins

Origin of persevere¹

C14: from Old French perseverer, from Latin persevērāre, from perseverus very strict; see _severe

Synonym Study

See continue.

Example Sentences

“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much,” read the statement his team posted online that Friday.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Although I prayed and persevered and tried my best not to worry, the reality was that once I drove outside the gates at Langley, neither my life nor the lives of my children were safe.

Read more on Literature

"Young women need to persevere and follow their dreams," she said.

Read more on Barron's

As it happens, Mr. Fox has found enough staunchly persevering or recently revived craft workshops to buoy his spirits—and ours.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“We never wavered. It’s a long season and we persevered, and we’re the last team standing.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• endure 
• hold on 
• keep going www.thesaurus.com
• persist 
• press on 
• proceed 
• pursue 
• stand firm www.thesaurus.com

When To Use

What does persevere mean?

To persevere is to continue to do or try to achieve something despite difficulty or discouragement. A close synonym is persist.The word is typically used in a positive way to refer to the actions of someone who doesn’t give up no matter what. A person perseveres when they keep trying despite major challenges and setbacks.The noun perseverance refers to the act of persevering or the quality of those who persevere, as in You showed great perseverance by recovering from your injury to compete at an even higher level.The adjective persevering can be used to describe those who persevere or their actions, as in Without the persevering efforts of our first responders, we would not have been able to save so many lives. Example: Only if we work hard and persevere will we be able to achieve our goal—it will not be easy.