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persistent

pur-SIS-tunt /pərˈsɪstənt/

adjectiveB2TOEFLIELTSSAT

generalmedicalscientific

Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition; continuing to exist or occur over a prolonged period.

Can be positive (determination) or negative (annoying or stubborn). In medicine, it refers to symptoms that won't go away.

The story behind the word. The word literally means 'to stand through.' It suggests someone who stays standing even when a storm is blowing or when others have sat down or left. It entered English in the 16th century, originally used in a more physical sense of remaining in a place.

Word relationships

tenacious: Tenacious implies a 'grip'—holding on tightly to a goal or belief.
dogged: Dogged implies a grim, tireless persistence, like a hunting dog on a scent.

irresolute: Irresolute describes someone who cannot make up their mind or stick to a plan.
yielding: Yielding describes someone who gives up easily under pressure.

Commonly confused with

persevering: Persevering is almost always positive, while persistent can describe a nuisance or a disease.

Word family

persist (verb): To continue firmly in an action.
persistence (noun): The quality of being persistent.

Collocations

persistent cough
persistent rumor
persistent effort
persistent offender

Example sentences

"Her persistent efforts to land the job finally paid off when the manager called her for a third interview." Career
"If the cough is persistent and lasts more than two weeks, you should consult a doctor." Medicine

Memory hook

A 'persistent' person 'sists' (stands) 'per' (through) the trouble. Persistent = Stand through.

When not to use

Don't use it for something that is naturally long-lasting; use it for something that refuses to stop.

Fun facts

In computer science, 'persistence' refers to the characteristic of state that outlives the process that created it.