persist

[ per-sist, -zist ]

verb (used without object)

1. to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like, especially in spite of opposition, remonstrance, etc.:

   to persist in working for world peace;

   to persist in unpopular political activities.

2. to last or endure tenaciously:

   The legend of King Arthur has persisted for nearly fifteen centuries.

3. to be insistent in a statement, request, question, etc.

   Synonyms: insist

verb (used with object)

1. Computers. to cause (a record, configuration, value, etc.) to be written to permanent storage by the scripted process that created it, so that it continues to exist in the same state after the script has finished running.

persist

/ pəˈsɪst /

verb

1. often foll by in to continue steadfastly or obstinately despite opposition or difficulty
2. to continue to exist or occur without interruption

   the rain persisted throughout the night

Derived Forms

• perˈsister, noun

Other Words From

• per·sist·er noun
• per·sist·ing·ly adverb
• per·sis·tive adjective
• per·sis·tive·ly adverb
• per·sis·tive·ness noun
• non·per·sist·ing adjective
• un·per·sist·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of persist¹

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin persistere, literally, “to stand firm permanently,” equivalent to per- per- ( def ) + sistere “to (cause to) stand,” akin to stāre “to stand ( def ) ”

Word History and Origins

Origin of persist¹

C16: from Latin persistere, from per- (intensive) + sistere to stand steadfast, from stāre to stand

Synonym Study

See continue.

Example Sentences

This research provides an unprecedented view into how European populations adapted to environmental challenges over millennia, helping us understand how certain traits have persisted, disappeared, or been altered over time.

From Science Daily

This is the classic "deplatforming" argument, which continues to persist because, in the past, there were some victories of the "ignore them and they go away" variety.

From Salon

Northern said it was still dealing with problems sparked by a timetable change in 2018 that persists in putting together timetables and "challenges facing colleagues".

From BBC

"It might seem counter-intuitive, but allowing the congestion to persist and focussing on improving infrastructure for pedestrians will help solve the traffic problem in the long run," she says.

From BBC

This kind of hate can’t persist in an environment in which we call things out and we act in the moment.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• carry on
• carry over
• continue
• endure
• go on
• linger
• persevere
• prevail
• pursue
• recur
• remain