persistent
Americanadjective
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persisting, especially in spite of opposition, obstacles, discouragement, etc.; persevering.
a most annoyingly persistent young man.
- Synonyms:
- tenacious, pertinacious, indefatigable
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lasting or enduring tenaciously.
the persistent aroma of verbena; a persistent cough.
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constantly repeated; continued.
persistent noise.
- Antonyms:
- sporadic
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Biology.
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continuing or permanent.
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having continuity of phylogenetic characteristics.
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Botany. remaining attached beyond the usual time, as flowers, flower parts, or leaves.
adjective
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showing persistence
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incessantly repeated; unrelenting
your persistent questioning
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(of plant parts) remaining attached to the plant after the normal time of withering
a fruit surrounded by a persistent perianth
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zoology
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(of parts normally present only in young stages) present in the adult
persistent gills in axolotls
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continuing to grow or develop after the normal period of growth
persistent teeth
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(of a chemical, esp when used as an insecticide) slow to break down; not easily degradable
Related Words
See stubborn.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of persistent
First recorded in 1820–30; from Latin persistent- (stem of persistēns ), present participle of persistere “to stand firm, persist”; see persist, -ent
Explanation
If something is persistent, it just won't stop. If you're persistent in your suggestions for a trip to Mexico, maybe your parents will eventually give in and take you there. Persistent comes from the Latin verb persistere which means "to continue with strength." A persistent salesman refuses to give up. A persistent ringing sound is one that repeats and repeats. Persistent rumors keep circulating, as does a persistent virus. Often something persistent is annoying. The related verb is persist, which means to continue to exist, or to go without stopping.
Vocabulary lists containing persistent
100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know
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List 3
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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Economists said Warsh’s colleagues on the Fed are unlikely to go along with any easing until it is clear that the threat of persistent inflation clears.
From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026
“Great work by our graveyard Officers, even when tired, for trusting their instincts, staying persistent, and quite literally listening to the walls.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026
Citi expects Sandisk’s strong performance to continue due to persistent memory shortages and a $6 billion share buyback plan.
From Barron's • May 19, 2026
A review of seven studies found that people with diabetes are more likely to develop persistent lesions around root-treated teeth.
From Science Daily • May 16, 2026
The monkeys chattered angrily, spitting and clawing, but their former servant was persistent, pushing and shoving with the broom until both monkeys were out the door.
From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
