persistent
per-SIS-tuhnt
/pəˈsɪstənt/
Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.
Can be positive (determination) or negative (annoying persistence). It implies an active effort to continue.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'per-' (through) + 'sistere' (to stand). It means to 'stand through' the storm.
Word relationships
- tenacious: Tenacious is more positive, implying a strong grip or resolve.
- dogged: Dogged implies a slow, steady, and stubborn persistence.
- irresolute: Irresolute means uncertain or hesitant.
- yielding: Yielding means giving up easily.
Commonly confused with
- incessant: Incessant is about the noise/action; persistent is about the will/nature behind it.
Word family
- persist (verb): To continue firmly.
- persistence (noun): The quality of being persistent.
Collocations
- persistent effort
- persistent rumor
- persistent smell
Example sentences
- "Despite many rejections, the persistent young writer finally found a publisher." Describing a person's character.
- "He has a persistent cough that hasn't gone away for three weeks." Describing a physical ailment.
Memory hook
Persistent people 'Sister' (sistere) - they stand their ground like a strong sibling. A weed growing through a crack in the sidewalk.
When not to use
Don't use for inanimate objects unless you are personifying them (e.g., 'a persistent stain').
Fun facts
- In computer science, 'persistent data' is data that is not lost when the power is turned off.
Related words
Explore more words
persist, Pertinacious, perseverance, Tenacious, Obstinate, tenacity
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