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persistent

persistent

43 4.4
Continuing with an action despite problems or opposition
  • adjective
  • /pərˈsɪstənt/
translation icon : tenaz
  • He was persistent in his search for the truth, never giving up despite the challenges.
  • persistent problem
  • persistent behavior
  • persistent demands

So to do that, I was very, very persistent with mentioning Jacob's name.

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Examples

  • Despite facing many obstacles, her persistent efforts eventually led her to success.

  • And he got there because he was so persistent and so hungry and found his vocation.

  • Sam, how persistent is too persistent?

  • Oh, I knew if I stayed persistent that it would pay off.

  • You are persistent, I'll give you that.

  • Domestic demand in Asia has been held back by several other factors, including a persistent misallocation of resources.

    Academic text (2009)
  • The creation of an ultimate alternative-fuel vehicle has been a persistent dream of environmental groups, enthusiastic individuals, and businesses.

    Academic text (2000)
  • He's a persistent little fellow, isn't he?

  • You're the most persistent human I've ever met in my life, I swear.

  • The persistent rain caused the river to overflow its banks and flood the nearby fields.

Synonyms

relentless
vspersistent
131 5.1

Keeps going without stopping and stays very strong

shares continuous effort but is less about harsh intensity and more about firm will
adamant
vspersistent
72 6.8

Not willing to change one's mind even when others disagree

shows similar firmness but focuses more on continuing action under difficulty
constant
vspersistent
72 3.5

Stays firm and loyal in support for someone

is the same ongoing quality but centres on continuing action under difficulty
insistent
vspersistent
50 4.1

Demanding attention or action again and again in a firm way

is about steady continuation despite opposition rather than repeated pressing for action
steadfast
vspersistent
30 5.6

Loyal and firm in support that does not change

is similar but stresses firm action despite difficulty rather than loyalty
unwavering
vspersistent
22 5.8

Being firm in belief or support that does not change

is similar but highlights lasting continuation of action despite opposition
tenacious
vspersistent
22 7.1

Continuing to try to reach a goal and not giving up easily

is more about refusing to yield under pressure than merely holding on
obstinate
vspersistent
16 7.5

Refusing to change your opinion or behavior even when others try to persuade you

is the same persistence but used for steady effort despite obstacles
stubborn
vspersistent
16 3.3

Hard to remove or cure even after trying

is about firm continuation in action despite difficulty rather than physical resistance
unyielding
vspersistent
10 6.5

Very firm in decisions and not willing to change or give up

is similar but emphasizes steady continuation under pressure rather than simple refusal
indefatigable
vspersistent
  • Formal
5 9.3

Always continuing to work without becoming tired

is similar but puts more weight on firm refusal than on energetic stamina
obdurate
vspersistent
3 8.8

A person who refuses to change their opinion or behaviour even when others try to persuade them

is about keeping on with actions despite difficulty rather than mere refusal
pertinacious
vspersistent
  • Formal
1 9.8

Refusing to change an opinion or plan

is more about continuing despite difficulty rather than simply refusing change
dogged
vspersistent
1 4.7

Being very determined and refusing to give up

expresses ongoing effort but focuses less on refusing change and more on grit
persisting
vspersistent
4.4

Continuing to try despite problems

focuses on continuing as a steady quality rather than active pursuit
persevering
vspersistent
4.6

Continuing to try carefully even when things are difficult

is like that but focuses more on firm refusal rather than careful effort

Antonyms

39 6.2

Changing often in a way you cannot rely on

How Persistent

tenacious
22 7.1
persistent
43 4.4
determined
399 2.5
steady
304 2.0

Surface Forms

persistent positive
persistenter comparative
persistentest superlative

Morphology

persistent = persist (transparent) = persist + ent

The adjectival meaning follows directly from the verb 'persist' plus the standard adjectival suffix '-ent' meaning 'having the quality of continuing'.

Etymology

Persistent comes from the Latin persistēre, made of per- 'through' and sistere 'to stand'. It gives the picture of someone who 'stands through' pressure, just like the English word stand, so a persistent person keeps trying and does not give up.