persist

verb

per·​sist pər-ˈsist How to pronounce persist (audio) -ˈzist How to pronounce persist (audio)
persisted; persisting; persists

intransitive verb

1
: to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition, importunity, or warning
2
obsolete : to remain unchanged or fixed in a specified character, condition, or position
3
: to be insistent in the repetition or pressing of an utterance (such as a question or an opinion)
4
: to continue to exist especially past a usual, expected, or normal time
persister noun
Choose the Right Synonym for persist

continue, last, endure, abide, persist mean to exist over a period of time or indefinitely.

continue applies to a process going on without ending.

the search for peace will continue

last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected.

buy shoes that will last

endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies.

in spite of everything, her faith endured

abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability.

a love that abides through 40 years of marriage

persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness.

the sense of guilt persisted

Examples of persist in a Sentence

She had turned him down for a date before, but he persisted and asked her again. The reporter persisted with his questioning. If you persist with this behavior, you will be punished. Must you persist in making that noise? If the pain persists, see a doctor. Doubts about the defendant's story have persisted for some time now. Rumors persist that they are dating.
Recent Examples on the Web Catherine is now recovering at her home in Windsor, the palace said, as questions about her health persist. Adela Suliman, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024 Other things that usually kill people persisted as well. Sunny Nagpaul, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2024 Despite past legal victories for equality, systemic barriers persist, manifesting in underfunded schools and biased opportunities based on race and socioeconomic status. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2024 Speculation persists that Putin and his generals may need to launch a fresh round of post-election mobilization to feed troops into the meat grinder. Nathan Hodge, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024 Drier and cooler weather will persist on Sunday, St. Patrick's Day. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 15 Mar. 2024 This disparity still persists despite the substantial gains made over the past century. Rayna Reid Rayford, Essence, 15 Mar. 2024 Such steep discounts have become normal for office space across the United States as the pandemic trends of hybrid and remote work have persisted, hollowing out urban centers that were once bustling with workers. Alan Rappeport, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 Concerns over a surge in sea crossings — one of the most perilous paths an individual can take to migrate abroad – have persisted in the Biden administration ever since the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse nearly three years ago. Michael Wilner, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'persist.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French persister, from Latin persistere, from per- + sistere to take a stand, stand firm; akin to Latin stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of persist was in 1531

Dictionary Entries Near persist

Cite this Entry

“Persist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persist. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

persist

verb
per·​sist pər-ˈsist How to pronounce persist (audio) -ˈzist How to pronounce persist (audio)
1
: to continue to do something in spite of opposition, warnings, or pleas : persevere
2
: to last on and on : continue to exist
persister noun

More from Merriam-Webster on persist

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