persist

verb

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per·sist | \ pər-ˈsist

, -ˈzist

persisted; persisting; persists

Essential Meaning of persist

1 : to continue to do something or to try to do something even though it is difficult or other people want you to stop She had turned him down for a date before, but he persisted and asked her again. The reporter persisted with his questioning. See More ExamplesIf you persist with this behavior, you will be punished. Must you persist in making that noise?Hide

2 : to continue to occur or exist beyond the usual, expected, or normal time 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.

Full 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

Other Words from persist Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More About persist

Synonyms for persist

Synonyms

carry on,
persevere

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web But Vilorio, who speaks Spanish, said through a translator that problems persist. — Anne D'innocenzio And Dee-ann Durbin, Anchorage Daily News, 10 Jan. 2022 But Vilorio, who speaks Spanish, said through a translator that problems persist. — Anne D'innocenzio And Dee-ann Durbin, chicagotribune.com, 9 Jan. 2022 Those winds diminish but don’t disappear tonight, and extra-cold conditions persist through Saturday. — Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2022 Even our own memories of the attack are under assault as misinformation and lies persist. — Aj Willingham, CNN, 6 Jan. 2022 Though drought conditions persist, the month’s storms gave a boost to the state’s water supplies, which have suffered this year. — Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2021 But local law enforcement officers said the problems persist. — From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 29 Dec. 2021 As the dogs were imported to America, certain notions about their training and care came with them and still persist in some parts of the ranching world, Costanzo said. — The Salt Lake Tribune, 29 Dec. 2021 But industry veterans say problems persist with contract terms outmoded for today’s marketplace. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 23 Dec. 2021

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.