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

• 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

Yamamoto volunteered to pitch and was warming up as Klein – who hadn’t pitched in a game in a month and never more than two innings in any MLB game – persevered through a fourth inning of relief in the 18th. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025

The long-term investments have resulted in creations that have persevered through the decades and continue to leave an impact to this day. —William Jones, USA Today, 27 Oct. 2025

Graham, whose small portfolio is known for punching above its weight, has persevered through previous rounds of contraction. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025

One of the main ways Crampton was able to persevere was by using her skills as a chef and immersing herself in nutrition to accelerate her recovery. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025

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