persist

play

verb per·sist \pər-ˈsist, -ˈzist\

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

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

While these divisions persist in the Golden State, there is broader support overall for climate policies, says Mark Baldassare, the president of the Public Policy Institute of California, a think-tank.

— The Economist, "Paris-on-seaCalifornia pushes on with plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," 20 July 2017
This would appear to have removed the existential threat to the euro for now, but the often tense interplay of currencies, policies and politics will undoubtedly persist for generations to come.

— by ken anderson, miamiherald, "Currencies, policies and politics are all intertwined," 9 July 2017
The research suggests that the significant number of vacancies in the Trump administration — and the concerns about policymaking that accompany them — are likely to persist unless both the White House and the Senate markedly accelerate their pace.

— james hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: Principled conservatives show federalism is more than a talking point by rejecting voter data requests," 6 July 2017
The research suggests that the significant number of vacancies in the Trump administration - and the concerns about policymaking that accompany them - are likely to persist unless both the White House and the Senate markedly accelerate their pace.

— elise viebeck, chicagotribune.com, "Trump sets one of the slowest paces for staffing, nominations in recent history," 5 July 2017
A race-discrimination case of this magnitude might have sunk many a developer, but Cohn persisted.

— marie brenner, The Hive, "How Donald Trump and Roy Cohn’s Ruthless Symbiosis Changed America," 4 July 2017
If cities persist, Chapman said the Legislature might take up the issue next year to specifically outlaw such restrictions.

— scott mcfetridge, The Seattle Times, "Decades after devastating fire, Iowa warily allows fireworks," 29 June 2017
Marriage equality was afforded only two years ago, and discrimination persists, but these parades exemplify the ability to overcoming struggle and heartache, and choosing to strive toward living as boldly as the colors on the rainbow flag.

— alexa lisitza, Teen Vogue, "History of Pride Parades in the U.S.," 23 June 2017
The rain is expected to begin to taper off tonight as Cindy moves northward, but scattered rain and storms could persist past midnight west of the Alabama River.

— leigh morgan, AL.com, "Tropical Storm Cindy: What to expect across Alabama today," 22 June 2017

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

See Words from the same year

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

play

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

play

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.