persist

verb per·sist \ pər-ˈsist , -ˈzist \

|Updated on: 4 Aug 2018

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Examples: persist in a Sentence

Definition of persist

intransitive verb

1 : to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition, importunity, or warning

2 obsolete : to remain unchanged or fixed in a specified character, condition, or position

3 : to be insistent in the repetition or pressing of an utterance (such as a question or an opinion)

4 : to continue to exist especially past a usual, expected, or normal time

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persister

noun

See persist defined for English-language learners

See persist defined for kids

Examples of persist in a Sentence

She had turned him down for a date before, but he persisted and asked her again.
The reporter persisted with his questioning.
If you persist with this behavior, you will be punished.
Must you persist in making that noise?
If the pain persists, see a doctor.
Doubts about the defendant's story have persisted for some time now.
Rumors persist that they are dating.

Recent Examples of persist from the Web

The solar equation persists in later art as a halo, a nimbus of light representing the circle of the sun.

— robert e. gordon, WSJ, "A Multi-Layered Drama," 13 July 2018
Sarri has now departed as manager, and rumours persist in linking the Senegalese defender with a big money move away from Naples of his own.

— SI.com, "Chelsea Target Kalidou Koulibaly Plays Down £100m Transfer Rumours as Defender Focuses on World Cup," 27 June 2018
If a person has escalated or persisted in his or her gaming behavior despite clearly negative consequences, that further seals the deal, the new guidelines say.

— melissa healy, ajc, "World Health Organization says video game addiction is a disease," 20 June 2018
Some tribals are Hindu and others Christian, but many persist in forms of worship that predate both religions—such as erecting large stones to mark undertakings of great significance.

— The Economist, "Stone-carving villagers make Indian officials jittery," 7 June 2018
Oregon is generally considered a liberal state, and its governor is openly bisexual, but Funk and Smith's discrimination case show that even in those conditions, inequalities still persist in pockets.

— matthew martinez, sacbee, "Principal ousted after LGBTQ students punished with Bible study, threatened with hell | The Sacramento Bee," 23 May 2018
Employees who persisted in doing so were usually marginalized or fired, while sycophants were promoted.

— john carreyrou, WIRED, "A New Look Inside Theranos’ Dysfunctional Corporate Culture," 21 May 2018
The discovery could oneday result in a recycling solution that can process millions of tonnes of plastic, made from polyethylene terephthalate (also known as PET), which currently persists in the environment for hundreds of years.

— National Geographic, "Enzyme That Eats Plastic Accidentally Found in Lab," 20 Apr. 2018
And significant gaps persist in academic performance among students along racial, socioeconomic and other lines throughout the state.

— clara hatcher, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin students' scores stagnant in 2017 National Report Card," 16 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'persist.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of persist

Middle French persister, from Latin persistere, from per- + sistere to take a stand, stand firm; akin to Latin stare to stand — more at stand

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1531

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

persist Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of persist

continue, last, endure, abide, persist mean to exist over a period of time or indefinitely. continue applies to a process going on without ending.

- the search for peace will continue

last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected.

- buy shoes that will last

endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies.

- in spite of everything, her faith endured

abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability.

- a love that abides through 40 years of marriage

persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness.

- the sense of guilt persisted

PERSIST Defined for English Language Learners

persist

verb

Definition of persist for English Language Learners

: to continue to do something or to try to do something even though it is difficult or other people want you to stop
: to continue to occur or exist beyond the usual, expected, or normal time

PERSIST Defined for Kids

persist

verb per·sist \ pər-ˈsist \

Definition of persist for Students

persisted; persisting

1 : to keep on doing or saying something : continue stubbornly

The reporter persisted with questions.

2 : to last on and on : continue to exist or occur

Rain persisted for days.

Word Root of persist

The Latin word sistere, meaning “to stand,” “to appear,” “to stop,” or “to put,” gives us the root sist. Words from the Latin sistere have something to do with standing, appearing, stopping, or putting. To assist, or help, is to stand by someone in order to give aid. To consist is to be made up of a number of thing put together. To exist, or have actual being, is to appear real. To persist is to refuse to stop doing or saying something.