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perseverance

pur-suh-VEER-unss /ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə.rəns/

nounB2TOEFLIELTSSATGRE

generalacademic

Persistence in doing something despite difficulty, delay, or discouragement in achieving success.

Emphasizes moral stamina, grit, and steady persistence over extended periods of trial.

The story behind the word. From Latin 'perseverare', combining 'per-' (thoroughly) and 'severus' (strict or severe). To persevere meant to remain thoroughly strict with oneself through harsh trials without bending.

Word relationships

persistence: Persistence can be neutral or annoying, while perseverance always carries positive moral praise.
tenacity: Tenacity emphasizes a tight grip or refusal to let go.

vacillation: Vacillation is wavering indecisively between choices.
surrender: Surrender means giving up effort completely.

Commonly confused with

preservation: Preservation means keeping something safe from harm, whereas perseverance means enduring through hardship.

Word family

persevere (verb): To continue steadily in a course of action despite difficulties.
persevering (adjective): Showing tenacity and endurance.

Collocations

show perseverance
grit and perseverance
sheer perseverance
through perseverance

Idioms & expressions

hang in there
stick to one's guns

Example sentences

"Through years of failed experiments, Marie Curie's perseverance ultimately led to the discovery of radium." Scientific biography
"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other." Inspirational text (Walter Elliot)

Memory hook

PERSEVERANCE = PER severe trials, you SEVERE-ly endure. Enduring severe trials.

When not to use

Do not use for foolish stubbornness in sticking to a bad plan; use obstinacy or pigheadedness for negative context.

Fun facts

NASA named its 2020 Mars rover 'Perseverance' following a nationwide student essay contest.