persistent
per-SIST-uhnt
/pəˈsɪstənt/
Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition.
Can be a compliment (meaning determined) or a criticism (meaning annoying/stubborn).
The story behind the word. From 'per-' (through) and 'sistere' (to stand). It literally means to 'stand through' a storm or a challenge without falling down.
Word relationships
- tenacious: Tenacious is almost always positive, implying a strong grip or will.
- dogged: Dogged implies a grim, tireless persistence.
- yielding: Giving up easily.
- fickle: Changing one's mind or interest frequently.
Commonly confused with
- insistent: Insistent means demanding something loudly; persistent means continuing to do something quietly but firmly.
Word family
- persistent (adjective): Continuing firmly.
- persistence (noun): The quality of being persistent.
- persist (verb): To continue firmly.
Collocations
- persistent effort
- persistent rumor
- persistent rain
- persistent problem
Example sentences
- "The most persistent of all the illusions of life is that there is some place where we can be safe." A philosophical reflection on life.
- "A persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks should be evaluated by a doctor." A medical warning.
Memory hook
If you 'Persist', you 'Stay' (Sist) 'Through' (Per) the trouble. Persistent stands firm.
When not to use
Do not use for things that simply don't stop by nature; use 'perpetual' for those.
Fun facts
- In computer science, 'persistent data' is data that is saved and continues to exist even after the program that created it has closed.
Explore more words
persist, Pertinacious, perseverance, Tenacious, Obstinate, tenacity
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