persist

[ per-sist, -zist ]
/ pərˈsɪst, -ˈzɪst /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR persist ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object)

to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like, especially in spite of opposition, remonstrance, etc.: to persist in working for world peace; to persist in unpopular political activities.
to last or endure tenaciously: The legend of King Arthur has persisted for nearly fifteen centuries.
to be insistent in a statement, request, question, etc.

Origin of persist

1530–40; < Latin persistere literally, to stand firm permanently, equivalent to per- per- + -sistere, akin to stāre to stand

synonym study for persist

1, 2. See continue.

OTHER WORDS FROM persist

Words nearby persist

persichetti, persiennes, persiflage, persimmon, persis, persist, persistence, persistence of memory, the, persistence of vision, persistent, persistent anterior hyperplastic primary vitreous body

Words related to persist

persevere, recur, linger, pursue, remain, continue, endure, prevail, repeat, last, obtain, abide, grind, insist, strive, perseverate, perdure

Example sentences from the Web for persist

British Dictionary definitions for persist

persist
/ (pəˈsɪst) /

verb (intr)

(often foll by in) to continue steadfastly or obstinately despite opposition or difficulty
to continue to exist or occur without interruption the rain persisted throughout the night

Derived forms of persist

persister, noun

Word Origin for persist

C16: from Latin persistere, from per- (intensive) + sistere to stand steadfast, from stāre to stand