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perseveration

perseveration

9.9
Repeatedly saying or doing the same thing even when you cannot stop
  • noun
  • /ˌpɜrsəˈvɛrɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : perseveración
  • The therapist noted that the patient's perseveration caused him to repeat the same question multiple times during the session.
  • bilateral perseveration
  • physical perseveration
  • trigger for perseveration

Examples

  • On the seventh day, Kevin's perseveration decreased significantly to 3 minutes in duration.

    Academic text (2013)
  • In the last session of the intervention implementation period, the student's bilateral physical perseveration began to decrease once more.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Kevin wanted to avoid the task, and physical perseveration was a result.

    Academic text (2013)
  • The third day, Kevin engaged in bilateral physical perseveration at a slower rate.

    Academic text (2013)
  • A baseline for the target behavior of bilateral physical perseveration was established.

    Academic text (2013)
  • On the third day, Kevin's total duration of bilateral physical perseveration was 10 minutes.

    Academic text (2013)
  • His bilateral perseveration was 6 minutes in duration, a 3-minute difference from the prior session.

    Academic text (2013)
  • On the second day, Kevin's total duration of bilateral physical perseveration was 7 minutes during the nutrition period.

    Academic text (2013)
  • On the first day, Kevin's total duration of bilateral physical perseveration during the nutrition period was 7 minutes.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Second, Kevin's postintervention bilateral physical perseveration was reduced to an average of 7 minutes.

    Academic text (2013)

Synonyms

repetition
vsperseveration
44 2.0

Doing or saying something again

is specifically involuntary and persistent, often a clinical symptom
cataphasia
vsperseveration
  • Specialized
9.9

Saying the same word again and again while speaking

is an involuntary, persistent repetition across words, ideas, or actions as a symptom

Antonyms

29 7.2

The end of something that is happening

inhibition
  • Formal
3 5.8

A rule or law that stops something from happening

How Repetitive

perseveration
  • Specialized
9.9
reiteration
3 4.9
repetition
44 2.0

Surface Forms

perseveration singular

Morphology

perseveration = persevere (opaque) = persevere + ation

The word 'perseveration' is derived from 'persevere', but the specific psychological meaning is not directly inferable from the base word.

Etymology

Perseveration comes from the same root as persevere and perseverance, words that mean 'keep going' or 'continue'. So perseveration is like 'keeping on' too much — an involuntary repeating of words, ideas, or actions, like a broken record that will not stop.