Persist

Definition

Persist refers to the act of continuing firmly or obstinately in an action or opinion, especially despite difficulty, opposition, or failure.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pərˈsɪst/
• Respelling: pur-SIST (with "pur" as in "fur," and "SIST" as in "sister")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /pəˈsɪst/
• Respelling: pur-SIST (similar to American English, with "pur" as in "fur," and "SIST" as in "sister")

In both dialects, "persist" places the primary stress on the second syllable, "SIST." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, emphasizing the clear articulation of the "SIST" part.

Etymology

The word "persist" originates from the Latin "persistere," which combines "per-" (meaning "through") and "sistere" (meaning "to stand").

Derivatives

• Persistence
• Persistent
• Persistently
• Persisting
• Persistency

Synonyms

• Continue
• Persevere
• Endure

Antonyms

• Cease
• Desist
• Surrender

Usage

"Persist" is commonly used to describe the act of continuing or maintaining an action, direction, or viewpoint, especially in the face of challenges or discouragement. Its usage implies determination and resilience in various contexts, be it personal goals, behaviors, or reactions.

Related Terms

• Insist
• Resist
• Perpetuate
• Endurance
• Resilience

Detailed Definition

Verb

• To continue steadily or obstinately in a course of action or opinion, especially despite challenges, opposition, or discouragement.
• Example: "She persisted in her belief that she could complete the marathon."

• To continue to exist or occur over a prolonged period.
• Example: "The heavy rains persisted throughout the night."

• In the context of computing, to retain data in a state even after the system is powered off.
• Example: "The data will persist in the database after the application is closed."