persistent

[ per-sis-tuhnt, -zis- ]

adjective

1. persisting, especially in spite of opposition, obstacles, discouragement, etc.; persevering:

   a most annoyingly persistent young man.

   Synonyms: tenacious, pertinacious, indefatigable

2. lasting or enduring tenaciously:

   the persistent aroma of verbena; a persistent cough.

3. constantly repeated; continued:

   persistent noise.

   Synonyms: steady, constant

   Antonyms: sporadic

4. Biology.
   1. continuing or permanent.
   2. having continuity of phylogenetic characteristics.
5. Botany. remaining attached beyond the usual time, as flowers, flower parts, or leaves.

persistent

/ pəˈsɪstənt /

adjective

1. showing persistence
2. incessantly repeated; unrelenting

   your persistent questioning

3. (of plant parts) remaining attached to the plant after the normal time of withering

   a fruit surrounded by a persistent perianth

4. zoology
   1. (of parts normally present only in young stages) present in the adult

      persistent gills in axolotls

   2. continuing to grow or develop after the normal period of growth

      persistent teeth

5. (of a chemical, esp when used as an insecticide) slow to break down; not easily degradable

Derived Forms

• perˈsistently, adverb

Other Words From

• per·sistent·ly adverb
• nonper·sistent adjective
• nonper·sistent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of persistent¹

First recorded in 1820–30; from Latin persistent- (stem of persistēns ), present participle of persistere “to stand firm, persist”; persist, -ent

Synonym Study

See stubborn.

Example Sentences

There may soon be a gentler—and cheaper—way to destroy persistent and dangerous “forever chemicals.”

From Science Magazine

It also comes at a key time for millions of Americans, as elevated grocery prices and persistent inflation have exacerbated food insecurity across the country.

From Salon

The prospect of paying more for consumer goods was especially unappealing after years of high inflation, which has led to a persistent feeling among many people that they’re on shaky financial footing.

From Los Angeles Times

What I have been learning to deal with are the difficult legacies of my cancer treatment - persistent fatigue and the risk of further seizures.

From BBC

Parts of northwest California will be under flood and high wind watches starting Tuesday, when persistent rain is expected to begin, dropping 4 to 8 inches over several days.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• constant
• continual
• endless
• enduring
• incessant
• insistent
• perpetual
• relentless
• repeated
• resolute
• steadfast
• steady
• stubborn
• tenacious
• unrelenting
• unremitting