persist

verb

per·​sist pər-ˈsist  -ˈzist 

persisted; persisting; persists

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

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

So, what messages from ancient life might persist in these calcite time capsules? —Evan Thomas Saitta, Discover Magazine, 12 Apr. 2024

Former president Thuong’s resignation was unlikely to be the last and political infighting would likely persist until 2026, Le Hong Hiep, from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, said in a previous report. —Heather Chen, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024

Through tonight: Variably cloudy skies should persist through the night. —Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 12 Apr. 2024

Though her injuries healed, her pain persists, the trial brief says. —Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2024

Mainstream science has done its best to debunk it, but a belief in a world-changing series of prehistoric impacts persists. —Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2024

My most desperate moments of loneliness have been in conversation: on a Hinge date, doomed but persisting as a form of protocol. —Peter Rubin, Longreads, 11 Apr. 2024

But inflation has persisted, surprising many economists. —Rob Wile, NBC News, 10 Apr. 2024

But a partial eclipse can persist for several hours. —Justine Calma, The Verge, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

persist

verb

per·​sist pər-ˈsist  -ˈzist 

1

: to continue to do something in spite of opposition, warnings, or pleas : persevere

2

: to last on and on : continue to exist

persister noun