persist

verb

per·​sist pər-ˈsist How to pronounce persist (audio) -ˈzist How to pronounce persist (audio)
persisted; persisting; persists

intransitive verb

1
: to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition, importunity, or warning
2
obsolete : to remain unchanged or fixed in a specified character, condition, or position
3
: to be insistent in the repetition or pressing of an utterance (such as a question or an opinion)
4
: to continue to exist especially past a usual, expected, or normal time
persister noun
Choose the Right Synonym for persist

continue, last, endure, abide, persist mean to exist over a period of time or indefinitely.

continue applies to a process going on without ending.

the search for peace will continue

last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected.

buy shoes that will last

endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies.

in spite of everything, her faith endured

abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability.

a love that abides through 40 years of marriage

persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness.

the sense of guilt persisted

Examples of persist in a Sentence

She had turned him down for a date before, but he persisted and asked her again. The reporter persisted with his questioning. If you persist with this behavior, you will be punished. Must you persist in making that noise? If the pain persists, see a doctor. Doubts about the defendant's story have persisted for some time now. Rumors persist that they are dating.
Recent Examples on the Web That approach has persisted throughout Biden’s first term, even as the threat from covid eased. Aaron Schaffer, Washington Post, 7 July 2024 Even with pay bumps, some shortages persist Nationwide, hiring an ample number of lifeguards to staff beaches, pools and waterparks has continued to be a major challenge. Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 6 July 2024 But the pressure persists, as comedy gatekeepers and tastemakers can pop up at any point in the marathon of nightly sets. Julie Seabaugh, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2024 The yearning for romance will also persist, especially during China’s three Valentine’s days, which includes the February Valentine’s Day, 520 Valentine’s Day in May and Qixi in August. Denni Hu, WWD, 4 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for persist 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'persist.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French persister, from Latin persistere, from per- + sistere to take a stand, stand firm; akin to Latin stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of persist was in 1531

Dictionary Entries Near persist

Cite this Entry

“Persist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persist. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

persist

verb
per·​sist pər-ˈsist How to pronounce persist (audio) -ˈzist How to pronounce persist (audio)
1
: to continue to do something in spite of opposition, warnings, or pleas : persevere
2
: to last on and on : continue to exist
persister noun

More from Merriam-Webster on persist

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