Persist
/pərˈsɪst/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo continue to do something or to try to do something even though it is difficult or other people are against it.
/pərˈsɪst/
To continue firmly or obstinately in an opinion or course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.
Despite the setbacks, she persisted with her research.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to build a really tall tower of blocks, and it keeps falling down. To persist means you keep trying, even though it's hard, until you finally get it built! It's like never giving up.
👶 For kids: To keep trying, even when things are hard.
More Examples
The rain persisted throughout the afternoon.
He persisted in his efforts to find a solution.
How It's Used
"Despite the widespread criticism, the politician persisted in his controversial policies."
"The company persisted with its marketing campaign, even though early results were poor."
"The therapist encouraged the patient to persist in seeking help, even if progress was slow."
To continue to exist for a long time.
/pərˈsɪst/
To continue to exist; to last or remain.
The cold weather persisted throughout the week.
💡 Simply: Imagine a bad smell that just won't go away, no matter what you do! To persist in this sense means to stick around, or last.
👶 For kids: To stay around for a long time.
More Examples
Her belief in his innocence persisted even after evidence surfaced.
The problem of poverty persists in many countries.
How It's Used
"The effects of the medication persisted for several hours."
"The pollution persisted in the lake despite attempts to clean it."
"The memory of the event persisted for generations."
Synonyms
From Latin *persistō* ('to continue steadfastly'), from *per-* ('through, thoroughly') + *sistere* ('to stand, to set').
Used in legal and philosophical contexts to denote continued existence or adherence to a principle since the 16th century.
Memory tip
Think of a stubborn person who refuses to give up on something, like a *persistent* child who wants a toy.