Persistent
/pərˈsɪstənt/
Definitions
2 meaningsContinuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.
/pərˈsɪstənt/
Continuing firmly in a course of action despite difficulty or opposition.
Despite the setbacks, the team remained persistent in their efforts.
💡 Simply: Imagine a little kid who REALLY wants a cookie. They keep asking and asking, even when their parents say no. That's being persistent! It means you keep trying, even if it's hard or takes a long time.
👶 For kids: When you keep trying to do something even when it's hard.
More Examples
Her persistent questioning finally elicited the truth.
The rain was persistent throughout the day.
How It's Used
"A persistent salesperson will often close more deals."
"She suffered from a persistent cough for several weeks."
"His persistent efforts finally paid off."
Lasting or enduring for a long or longer period.
/pərˈsɪstənt/
Continuing or being prolonged for an extended period.
The persistent drought has caused water shortages.
💡 Simply: Imagine a song that gets stuck in your head and won't go away. That's kind of like something persistent – it lasts and lasts! It's like a smell that stays in a room or a feeling that just won't disappear.
👶 For kids: When something keeps happening for a long time.
More Examples
She suffered from persistent headaches.
The company faced persistent financial challenges.
How It's Used
"The patient had a persistent fever."
"Persistent rain caused flooding in the area."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
Chemical substances that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate through the food chain, and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment.
"Environmental regulations are needed to limit the release of persistent organic pollutants."
persistent identifier
A long-lasting reference to a digital object or resource that provides a stable way to locate it over time.
"Persistent identifiers are crucial for citing digital resources."
From Latin *persistens*, present participle of *persistere* 'to persist', from *per* 'through, to completion' + *sistere* 'to stand'.
The word 'persistent' has been used since the 16th century and was initially employed to denote something that continues or endures.
Memory tip
Think of a stubborn person who never gives up, even when things get tough.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: per-sistere