persist
/pəˈsɪst/- 1.
To keep doing something even when it is difficult or when others want you to stop. This sense focuses on a person's determined action.
- She persisted with her studies despite failing twice.
- He persisted in asking questions until he got a clear answer.
- If you persist, you will eventually see results.
- 2.
To continue to exist for longer than expected, especially when referring to a problem, condition, or situation.
- If symptoms persist for more than three days, see a doctor.
- The cold spell persisted well into March.
- Inequality persists in many parts of the world.
Adinary Nuance
Persist, persevere, and continue are close neighbors, but they are not freely interchangeable. "Persevere" is almost always a compliment — it suggests admirable, goal-directed hard work, so it feels warmer and more positive. "Persist" is neutral: it can praise determination (she persisted and won the award) but can also carry a mildly stubborn or unwelcome edge (he persisted in interrupting). "Continue" is the most plain option — it signals only that something goes on, with no flavour of difficulty at all. In IELTS and academic writing, choose "persist" when you want to highlight that something is happening despite resistance or expectation, and "persevere" when you specifically want to show admirable human effort.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Kiên trì
- Spanish
- Persistir
- Chinese
- 坚持
- Japanese
- 粘り強く続ける
- Korean
- 지속하다
Etymology
From Latin *persistere*, meaning "to stand firm" or "to continue steadfastly," built from *per-* ("through") and *sistere* ("to stand"). The word entered English in the mid-16th century and has kept both its human (action) and situational (condition) senses ever since.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'persist' positive or negative in meaning?
- It can be either. When a person persists toward a good goal, it sounds admirable. When someone persists in annoying or unhelpful behaviour, it has a negative shade. Context makes the difference.
- What is the difference between 'persist' and 'persevere'?
- 'Persevere' is almost always positive and praises hard work toward a worthy goal. 'Persist' is more neutral and can describe stubborn continuation even when it is not a good idea. In academic writing, 'persevere' is the warmer, more approving word.
- Can 'persist' describe a situation or problem, not just a person?
- Yes. 'Persist' is commonly used for conditions, symptoms, problems, or weather that continues longer than expected — for example, 'the fever persisted for five days.' This is very common in academic and medical English.
- Is 'persist' a formal word? Can I use it in IELTS writing?
- Yes, 'persist' is a standard academic and formal word. It is perfectly suited for IELTS Task 1 and Task 2, as well as essays and reports. It sounds more precise than 'keep doing' or 'carry on' in written contexts.