Persist: meaning, definitions and examples

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persist

[ pərˈsɪst ]

^{Context #1}

in a situation

Continue firmly or obstinately in an opinion or a course of action in spite of difficulty, opposition, or failure.

Synonyms

continue, insist, persevere

Examples of usage

He persisted in his belief that he was right, despite the evidence against him.
She persisted with her studies, even when it seemed too challenging.
We must persist in our efforts to achieve our goal.

^{Context #2}

in asking or demanding something

Continue firmly or obstinately to request or ask for something, in spite of refusal or opposition.

Synonyms

demand, insist, press

Examples of usage

She persisted in asking for a raise, even though her boss kept saying no.
If you persist in your demands, you might eventually get what you want.

Translations

Translations of the word "persist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 persistir

🇮🇳 अटल रहना

🇩🇪 durchhalten

🇮🇩 bertahan

🇺🇦 наполягати

🇵🇱 trwać

🇯🇵 持続する

🇫🇷 persister

🇪🇸 persistir

🇹🇷 ısrar etmek

🇰🇷 지속하다

🇸🇦 يثابر

🇨🇿 vytrvat

🇸🇰 vytrvať

🇨🇳 坚持

🇸🇮 vztrajati

🇮🇸 þrauka

🇰🇿 табандылық таныту

🇬🇪 გამძლეობა

🇦🇿 israr etmək

🇲🇽 persistir

Word origin

The word 'persist' comes from the Latin word 'persistere', which is a combination of 'per-' (through) and 'sistere' (to stand). The earliest recorded use of 'persist' in English dates back to the 14th century, where it was used to describe the act of continuing firmly or obstinately despite difficulties. Over time, the word has retained its core meaning while also expanding to include various contexts of perseverance and insistence.