Is persevere formal or informal?

It is neutral to fairly formal. You can use it in speaking, writing, and academic English.

What is the difference between persevere and persist?

Persevere usually sounds more positive. Persist can also suggest stubbornness or repeated effort.

Can I say persevere in something?

Yes. Common patterns are “persevere in” and “persevere with.”

Is persevere common in IELTS writing?

Yes. It is useful in essays about study, work, goals, and challenges.

← Dictionary

persevere

/ˌpɜː.sɪˈvɪə/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To keep trying to do something, even when it is hard or takes a long time. It often suggests patience and steady effort.

She persevered and finished her degree.
You must persevere through the difficult first months.

Adinary Nuance

Persevere is stronger than simply “try again.” It suggests steady effort over time, especially when things are difficult. Compared with “persist,” it feels more positive and more about endurance than stubbornness. Compared with “continue,” it adds the idea of effort against difficulty.

In other languages

Vietnamese: kiên trì
Spanish: perseverar
Chinese: 坚持不懈
Japanese: 粘り強く続ける
Korean: 인내하다

Etymology

Persevere comes from Latin perseverare, meaning “to keep steadily on.” It entered English in the late Middle Ages through French and Latin writing.

Common phrases

persevere throughpersevere inpersevere with

Synonyms

persist endure keep going

Frequently asked questions

Is persevere formal or informal?: It is neutral to fairly formal. You can use it in speaking, writing, and academic English.
What is the difference between persevere and persist?: Persevere usually sounds more positive. Persist can also suggest stubbornness or repeated effort.
Can I say persevere in something?: Yes. Common patterns are “persevere in” and “persevere with.”
Is persevere common in IELTS writing?: Yes. It is useful in essays about study, work, goals, and challenges.