persist

[ per-sist, -zist ]

verb (used without object)

1. to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like, especially in spite of opposition, remonstrance, etc.:

   to persist in working for world peace;

   to persist in unpopular political activities.

2. to last or endure tenaciously:

   The legend of King Arthur has persisted for nearly fifteen centuries.

3. to be insistent in a statement, request, question, etc.

   Synonyms: insist

verb (used with object)

1. Computers. to cause (a record, configuration, value, etc.) to be written to permanent storage by the scripted process that created it, so that it continues to exist in the same state after the script has finished running.

persist

/ pəˈsɪst /

verb

1. often foll by in to continue steadfastly or obstinately despite opposition or difficulty
2. to continue to exist or occur without interruption

   the rain persisted throughout the night

Derived Forms

• perˈsister, noun

Other Words From

• per·sist·er noun
• per·sist·ing·ly adverb
• per·sis·tive adjective
• per·sis·tive·ly adverb
• per·sis·tive·ness noun
• non·per·sist·ing adjective
• un·per·sist·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of persist¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin persistere, literally, “to stand firm permanently,” equivalent to per- per- ( def ) + sistere “to (cause to) stand,” akin to stāre “to stand ( def ) ”

Word History and Origins

Origin of persist¹

C16: from Latin persistere, from per- (intensive) + sistere to stand steadfast, from stāre to stand

Synonym Study

See continue.

Example Sentences

But he’s taken aback when he’s asked to explain why such an old-fashioned tradition persists.

From Los Angeles Times

Yet for the first time, new research shows even brief contact with a common herbicide can cause lasting damage to the brain, which may persist long after direct exposure ends.

From Science Daily

However, setbacks and pain have persisted, and the effusion, a collection of fluid around the joint also known as water on the knee, have pushed the target back.

From Los Angeles Times

Though he wrote the score for the musical, John told “Good Morning America” that he is unsure of whether or not he’ll be able to continue his music career if his infection should persist.

From Salon

Elton John’s eyesight problems have persisted to the point where he could not see a performance of his own musical in London on Sunday night, he told the crowd after the show.

From New York Times

Related Words

• carry on
• carry over
• continue
• endure
• go on
• linger
• persevere
• prevail
• pursue
• recur
• remain