persevere

[ pur-suh-veer ]

verb (used without object)

, per·se·vered, per·se·ver·ing.

1. to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.
2. to persist in speech, interrogation, argument, etc.; insist.

verb (used with object)

, per·se·vered, per·se·ver·ing.

1. to bolster, sustain, or uphold:

   unflagging faith that had persevered him.

persevere

/ ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪə /

verb

1. introften foll byin to show perseverance

Derived Forms

• ˌperseˈveringly, adverb
• ˌperseˈvering, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of persevere¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English perseveren, from Middle French perseverer, from Latin persevērāre “to persist,” derivative of persevērus “very strict”; per-, severe

Word History and Origins

Origin of persevere¹

C14: from Old French perseverer, from Latin persevērāre, from perseverus very strict; see severe

Synonym Study

See continue.

Example Sentences

As "Martha," the new Netflix documentary on Stewart reveals, her personal life was often tumultuous, yet her ambition and resolve enabled her to persevere.

From Salon

But Berhane, now 17, says he is determined to persevere so that one day he can help them.

From BBC

These rules can be stretched, but ultimately, they continue to tell themselves, the system will persevere, right?

From Slate

But there is a human question too, a reality that a man has to persevere when nature turns harsh and the desperate arrive.

From Los Angeles Times

Expected to be a weakness, UCLA’s defense has emerged as its better half thanks largely to the 6-foot-3, 325-pound senior who has become a symbol for a team trying to persevere through a five-game losing streak.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• endure
• hold on
• keep going
• persist
• press on
• proceed
• pursue
• stand firm