persistent
Americanadjective
-
persisting, especially in spite of opposition, obstacles, discouragement, etc.; persevering.
a most annoyingly persistent young man.
- Synonyms:
- tenacious, pertinacious, indefatigable
-
lasting or enduring tenaciously.
the persistent aroma of verbena; a persistent cough.
-
constantly repeated; continued.
persistent noise.
- Antonyms:
- sporadic
-
Biology.
-
continuing or permanent.
-
having continuity of phylogenetic characteristics.
-
-
Botany. remaining attached beyond the usual time, as flowers, flower parts, or leaves.
adjective
-
showing persistence
-
incessantly repeated; unrelenting
your persistent questioning
-
(of plant parts) remaining attached to the plant after the normal time of withering
a fruit surrounded by a persistent perianth
-
zoology
-
(of parts normally present only in young stages) present in the adult
persistent gills in axolotls
-
continuing to grow or develop after the normal period of growth
persistent teeth
-
-
(of a chemical, esp when used as an insecticide) slow to break down; not easily degradable
Synonym Usage
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
List 3
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Lakai, the terrific openside, was binned for persistent New Zealand offsides.
From BBC ● Nov. 7, 2026
Because of these features, mature spines can support stronger and more persistent communication between brain cells, potentially contributing to lasting changes in circuits involved in memory and mood.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 7, 2026
Research shows that paying out of pocket for infertility treatments causes persistent anxiety that can stall women’s careers and future earnings.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 5, 2026
More than 20,000 patients aged 45 and over with symptoms such as pain or persistent bloating will be eligible to take part.
From BBC ● Nov. 4, 2026
Not bad work for a persistent twelve-year-old, but still not enough.
From "Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence" by Sonja Thomas
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions 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.
