Persistence
pərˈsɪstəns
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act or fact of continuing in an opinion, course of action, or state, despite difficulty or opposition.
pərˈsɪstəns
The quality of continuing firmly in a course of action despite difficulty or opposition.
Her persistence in studying eventually led to her acceptance into medical school.
💡 Simply: Persistence is like when you *really* want something, and you keep trying, even if it's hard. Like, if you're learning to ride a bike and you fall down, persistence is getting back up and trying again until you can ride!
👶 For kids: When you keep trying, even when it's hard. Like when you keep practicing your jump rope until you can do it without tripping!
More Examples
Despite numerous rejections, his persistence finally secured him a book deal.
The persistence of the problem frustrated the engineers.
The team's persistence in pursuing their goals was admirable.
How It's Used
"Her persistence paid off, and she finally got the job."
"The company's persistence in marketing efforts led to increased sales."
The fact of something continuing to exist for a long time.
pərˈsɪstəns
The continued or prolonged existence of something.
The persistence of the cold weather made everyone unhappy.
💡 Simply: This also means something sticking around for a while. Like how a memory stays in your head even after you're not thinking about it. Or how a problem keeps coming back.
👶 For kids: When something stays around for a long time. Like when your favorite toy keeps coming with you everywhere you go!
More Examples
The virus's persistence in the community was a major concern.
Data persistence is essential for database integrity.
The persistence of the drought created serious water shortages.
How It's Used
"The persistence of memory allows us to learn from past experiences."
"Data persistence is crucial for preserving information in a database."
Synonyms
Dedication
Determination
Patience
Perseverance
Continuing
Duration
Endurance
Longevity
Idioms & expressions
Persistence pays
The effort will be eventually rewarded.
"Despite numerous rejections, he kept applying for jobs and proved that persistence pays."
From Latin *persistere* ('to continue steadfastly'), from *per-* ('through, thoroughly') and *sistere* ('to stand'). The word evolved to encompass the quality of remaining firm in a course of action or belief, and also, the act of continuing to exist or last.
In older texts, 'persistence' was sometimes used to describe the tenacity of belief or purpose, a sense that remains today.
Memory tip
Picture someone clinging to a cliff edge, refusing to let go. Persistence is that unwavering grip.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: per- (through) + sistere (to stand)