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

• carry on
• 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

McKee persevered, continuing to release her own material and write for others, but fans still wanted a taste of Hot City. —Jack Irvin, Peoplemag, 13 May 2024

Even in the face of her government-loathing boss, Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman in the role he was arguably born for), Leslie persevered in laughable fashion. —EW.com, 10 May 2024

The family persevered and Robert Ito became a successful businessman focused on social good, initially creating a job-training nonprofit called Occupational Training Services. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2024

The pair also talked about formative musical influences such as Devo, Nirvana and Beck, touring with Radiohead, the pros and cons of licensing songs for commercials, persevering in the music business and Carney’s top five favorite bands who should have been bigger. —Spin Staff, SPIN, 5 May 2024

Jenny has allowed her art to grow by embracing collaboration and new technologies, but her singularity as an artist has always persevered and her work continues to be radical. —Kiki Smith, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024

The end of the American Revolution Despite the danger, Franklin persevered in his diplomatic work. —Vanessa Armstrong, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Apr. 2024

Yet experience has taught me time and again that the most dedicated in our field have persevered by doubling down on our first principles—providing internet users with accurate, helpful information. —Anat (anne Moss) El Hashahar, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

Although skinny jeans are making a comeback on the runways, Sofía Vergara is persevering with one of the most relaxed and stylish denim trends. —Luz García, Glamour, 9 Apr. 2024

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

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