perseverance
pur-suh-VEER-uhnss
/ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rəns/
Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Emphasizes endurance through prolonged suffering, trial, or delay.
The story behind the word. Formed from Latin 'per-' (thoroughly) and 'severus' (strict, severe). It describes someone who remains thoroughly strict with themselves, continuing down a hard road without softening their standards.
Word relationships
- persistence: 'Persistence' emphasizes continuous action over time; 'perseverance' emphasizes overcoming hardship.
- grit: 'Grit' is an informal, tough character trait; 'perseverance' is formal.
- capitulation: Surrendering or giving up resistance.
- fickleness: Inconstancy or rapidly changing commitments.
Commonly confused with
- preservation: 'Preservation' means keeping something safe; 'perseverance' means persisting through hardship.
Word family
- persevere (verb): Continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty.
- persevering (adjective): Continuing in spite of difficulty.
Collocations
- sheer perseverance
- requires perseverance
- show perseverance
- triumph of perseverance
Idioms & expressions
- stay the course
Example sentences
- "Through years of technical delays and budgetary hurdles, NASA showed incredible perseverance." Space exploration
- "Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other." Inspirational speech
Memory hook
PERSEVERANCE is needed when severe storms strike your SEVERE journey. Perseverance = thoroughly strict endurance.
When not to use
Avoid using for quick actions completed without trouble or friction.
Fun facts
- NASA named its 2020 Mars rover 'Perseverance' after a nationwide student essay contest.
Related words
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