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persist

/pəˈsɪst/verb

To keep doing something in a determined way, even when it is difficult or others want you to stop.

Example sentences

  • “She persisted with her violin lessons despite her slow progress.”
  • “If you persist in interrupting, I'll end the meeting.”
  • “He persisted until the landlord finally fixed the heater.”

Common patterns are 'persist in doing something' and 'persist with something'. With a problem as the subject, such as pain or rain, it means to continue to exist.

Featured as word of the day on February 22, 2026.

Synonyms for persist

Antonyms

  • give up
  • quit

Often confused with persist

persist vs insist

On the Academic Word List. Find it in: Academic vocabulary.

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