persevere

verb

per·​se·​vere ˌpər-sə-ˈvir 

persevered; persevering

intransitive verb

: to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of counterinfluences, opposition, or discouragement

perseveringly

ˌpər-sə-ˈvir-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Did you know?

The early settlers of the New World persevered in the face of constant hardship and danger. The Pilgrims of Plymouth Plantation lost half their number in the first winter to disease and hunger, but their perseverance paid off, and within five years their community was healthy and self-sufficient. Perhaps more remarkable are all the solitary inventors who have persevered in pursuing their visions for years, lacking any financial support and laughed at by the public.

Synonyms of persevere

• persist

Examples of persevere in a Sentence

She persevered in her studies and graduated near the top of her class.

Even though he was tired, he persevered and finished the race.

Recent Examples on the Web

Analysts have warned that a stock market slump could force high rollers to tighten their belts too, but some economists say there is reason to believe lavish spending will persevere. —Tristan Bove, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026

As players cleaned out their lockers and said goodbye to their teammates, Harbaugh conducted one final team meeting, thanking his players and coaches for persevering through a season that challenged them at every turn. —Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026

Codi, Snoop Dogg’s eighth grandchild, has persevered throughout. —Theresa Braine, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026

Simply raising payroll taxes would send exactly the wrong message to employers persevering and deciding whether to grow jobs or invest in California. —Vince Fong, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English perseveren, borrowed from Anglo-French parseverer, perseverer "to last, endure, persist in spite of opposition," borrowed from Latin persevērāre "to persist in a course of action or an attitude in spite of opposition, keep on, (of a condition) continue, last," from per- per- + -sevērāre, verbal derivative of sevērus "stern, austere, severe"

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for persevere

• auctioneer
• bandelier
• belvedere
• bombardier
• brigadier
• buccaneer
• cavalier
• chandelier
• chanticleer
• chevalier
• commandeer
• disappear

Kids Definition

persevere

verb

per·​se·​vere ˌpər-sə-ˈvi(ə)r 

persevered; persevering

: to keep at something in spite of difficulties, opposition, or discouragement