Persistent
Continuing firmly despite obstacles; lasting for a long time; not giving up.
adjectivePersistent
Continuing firmly despite obstacles; lasting for a long time; not giving up.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine a mountain climber inching upward, refusing to quit as cold, wind, and altitude threaten to end the ascent.
Sounds Like
per-SIS-tent
Looks Like
Looks like persist with the common adjective suffix -ent; visually close to related forms persistent and persistence.
Remember This
Persistent shares its root with perseverance and persistence, both conveying the idea of standing firm through challenges. The Latin root means to stand through difficulties.
Other Forms
Note
Commonly used to describe ongoing efforts, recurring conditions, or lasting traits. Do not confuse with insistent, which implies demanding persistence; persistent has a more neutral or positive sense of continuing effort.
Study Deeper
- The persistent rain disrupted outdoor plans but eventually cleared, allowing activities to resume.
- Her persistent studying paid off when she raised her SAT score dramatically.
From Latin persistere 'to stand firm,' formed from per- 'through' + sistere 'to stand'; the -ent suffix turns the verb into an adjective describing ongoing action or state.
Picture a tent standing through a storm: a persistent thing stays put and keeps going through trouble.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Tenacious
adjectiveNot easily pulled apart; holding fast or continuing with determination, whether physically or figuratively.
Steadfast
adjectiveFixed in position or purpose; unwavering and loyal, showing firm determination and reliability.
Diligent
adjectiveHardworking; showing care, persistence, and attention to detail in one's work.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.