persist

Everyday

1. To persist is to keep doing something even when it is hard or other people want you to stop. tree →
2. If something bad persists, it continues for longer than expected. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and health, «if the pain persists, see a doctor» is common advice on medicine packets. In school, teachers praise pupils who persist with a hard problem. In stories, a hero persists until they succeed. Phrases: persist in, persist with, if symptoms persist.

Examples

• If your cough persists, go to the doctor. tree →
• She persisted with the puzzle until she solved it. tree →
• The rain persisted all afternoon. tree →
• He persisted in asking questions, even after we said no. tree →
• Keep practising — if you persist, you will get better. tree →
• The smell persisted for days after the bin was emptied. tree →
• The myth that goldfish have a three-second memory persists. tree →
• Why do you persist in this folly? tree →

Note

Regular verb: persisted, persisting. The noun is «persistence», the adjective «persistent». «Persist in doing» is followed by -ing. It is a little formal; in speech people say «keep going» or «carry on».