persistent

[per-sis-tuhnt, -zis-]

adjective

1. persisting, especially in spite of opposition, obstacles, discouragement, etc.; persevering.

   a most annoyingly persistent young man.

   Synonyms: tenacious, pertinacious, indefatigable

2. lasting or enduring tenaciously.

   the persistent aroma of verbena; a persistent cough.

3. constantly repeated; continued.

   persistent noise.

   Synonyms: steady, constant
   Antonyms: sporadic

4. Biology.

   1. continuing or permanent.

   2. having continuity of phylogenetic characteristics.

5. Botany.,  remaining attached beyond the usual time, as flowers, flower parts, or leaves.

persistent

/ pəˈsɪstənt /

adjective

1. showing persistence

2. incessantly repeated; unrelenting

   your persistent questioning

3. (of plant parts) remaining attached to the plant after the normal time of withering

   a fruit surrounded by a persistent perianth

4. zoology

   1. (of parts normally present only in young stages) present in the adult

      persistent gills in axolotls

   2. continuing to grow or develop after the normal period of growth

      persistent teeth

5. (of a chemical, esp when used as an insecticide) slow to break down; not easily degradable

Other Word Forms

• persistently adverb
• nonpersistent adjective
• nonpersistently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of persistent¹

First recorded in 1820–30; from Latin persistent- (stem of persistēns ), present participle of persistere “to stand firm, persist”; persist, -ent

Synonym Study

See stubborn.

Example Sentences

The talks have been mired in persistent disagreement over who should have to cut back on water and by how much.

From Los Angeles Times

Another persistent stereotype is that Lucumí is all about “black magic” or throwing curses at your enemies.

From Los Angeles Times

The guidance also means that persistent or repeated behaviour, and behaviour directed towards a vulnerable person, may increase seriousness.

From BBC

Fracking projects under previous governments were hampered by planning delays, minor earthquakes, legal challenges and persistent protests.

From BBC

She is encouraging women to be persistent until they're listened to.

From BBC

Related Words

• constant 
• continual 
• endless 
• enduring 
• incessant 
• insistent 
• perpetual 
• relentless 
• repeated 
• resolute 
• steadfast 
• steady 
• stubborn 
• tenacious 
• unrelenting 
• unremitting