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persistent
/pərˈsɪstənt/
continuing firmly despite difficulty
Despite facing numerous rejections, she remained persistent in her job search.
She kept trying to find a job even though many people said no.
formal
continuing to exist or endure over a prolonged period, especially despite challenges or opposition
The persistent noise from the construction site made it hard to concentrate.
The ongoing construction noise disrupted focus.
Persistent droughts have devastated crops in the region.
Long-lasting dry periods ruined the local agriculture.
Often implies an active effort to maintain presence or action, not just passive endurance.
general
determined to do something despite difficulties, delays, or opposition
He was persistent in pursuing his dream of becoming a musician.
He kept working hard toward his goal despite obstacles.
The persistent student asked questions until she fully understood the concept.
The student kept asking questions until she grasped the material.
Can describe people or their actions, often with a positive connotation.
Collocations
persistent effortcontinuous hard workpersistent problemongoing issuepersistent raincontinuous rainfall
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'insistent'
'Persistent' emphasizes continued existence or effort, while 'insistent' focuses on demanding attention (e.g., 'insistent knocking').
Gold Rule
Use 'persistent' for long-term presence
Reserve for situations lasting over time (e.g., 'persistent pain') rather than brief moments.
Word Origin
From Latin *persistens*, present participle of *persistere* (to persist), from *per-* (through) + *sistere* (to stand). First recorded in English in the early 17th century.
Usage Notes
Commonly used to describe both negative and positive situations. Avoid overusing in informal contexts where simpler words like 'stubborn' might suffice.
Word Breakdown
per-
thoroughly or throughout
prefix-sist-
to stand
root-ent
performing or causing an action
suffixEnglish Dictionary