US /pɚˈsɪst/ UK /pəˈsɪst/
verb Freq #17524

Meanings

  1. 1
    verb

    To keep trying to do something despite difficulty or opposition.

    She persisted with her studies even after failing twice.

  2. 2
    verb

    To continue to exist or happen.

    If the symptoms persist, you should see a doctor.

Thesaurus

Synonyms
1 verb · to keep trying to do... persevere
2 verb · to continue to exist or... lastcontinue
Opposites
Word family
Forms persistedpersistingpersists
Derived forms hyperpersistpersistabilitypersistablepersistinglypersistivepersistorrepersistunpersist

Etymology

From Middle French persister (Modern French persister), from Latin persistere, from per- + sistere (“to stand”).

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Topics

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