Advertisement

View synonyms for persevere

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˌperseˈveringly, adverb
  • ˌperseˈvering, adjective
Discover More

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
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of persevere1

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

Synonym Study

Discover More

Example Sentences

But the impending birth of his son, and the opportunity to serve as an example of persevering through hard times, factored into his decision to return.

Among the positive outcomes of the research, gamers reported viewing work as solvable puzzles, and their experience resulted in improved patience in encountering problems and encouraged them to persevere in solving them.

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

Quarterback Matthew Stafford absorbed 10 hits against the Raiders, the second time in as many games he persevered through double-digit blows.

Advertisement

Discover More

More About Persevere

What does persevere mean?

To persevere is to continue to do or try to achieve something despite difficulty or discouragement. A close synonym is persist.

The word is typically used in a positive way to refer to the actions of someone who doesn’t give up no matter what. A person perseveres when they keep trying despite major challenges and setbacks.

The noun perseverance refers to the act of persevering or the quality of those who persevere, as in You showed great perseverance by recovering from your injury to compete at an even higher level.

The adjective persevering can be used to describe those who persevere or their actions, as in Without the persevering efforts of our first responders, we would not have been able to save so many lives. 

Example: Only if we work hard and persevere will we be able to achieve our goal—it will not be easy.

Where does persevere come from?

The first records of the word persevere come from the 1300s. It comes from the Latin persevērāre, meaning “to persist,” from persevērus, “very strict.”

Persevering takes strict discipline. People who persevere may want to give up, but they keep going. Perseverance is often associated with other qualities that are thought to be essential for achieving success, like patience and a willingness to work hard. But persevering is more than working hard—it’s continuing to work hard even after failing.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to persevere?

What are some synonyms for persevere?

What are some words that share a root or word element with persevere

What are some words that often get used in discussing persevere?

How is persevere used in real life?

Persevere is almost always used positively. Persevering is often associated with patience and courage.

 

 

 

Try using persevere!

Which of the following terms is NOT a synonym of persevere?

A. persist
B. quit
C. press on
D. endure

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


perseverationpersevering