persist

verb

pur-SIST/pɚˈsɪst/UKpuh-SIST/pəˈsɪst/

Formspersists, persisting, persisted

5 meanings of persist

1
verbintransitive
To keep doing something even when it is hard or others want you to stop.
Like a dog that keeps scratching at the door until someone opens it.
If you persist, you will finish the race.
She persisted with her piano practice even when her fingers hurt.
Similarpersevere, continue, insist
Oppositedesist, quit, stop
Note
2
verbintransitive
To keep existing or being there, even after a long time.
The smell of smoke persisted in the house for days.
Some old customs persist in small villages today.
Similarlinger, remain, last, continue, endure
Oppositedisappear, fade, vanish
Note
3
verbintransitive
To say something again, especially when people did not listen the first time.
"Can we go to the park?" the boy persisted.
Children often persist with the same question until an adult answers.
Similarinsist, maintain, repeat, reiterate
4
verbtransitive
To save information so it is still there after the program closes.
Like writing your ideas in a notebook so they are still there tomorrow.
The game persists your score, so you can see it the next time you play.
Apps must persist your settings before the phone turns off.
Similarsave, store, write
Note

Less common meaning

5
verbobsoleteintransitive
To go on being the same way, without changing.
Similarremain, continue, last, endure
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin persistere, made from per- plus sistere meaning "to stand." It came into English through French.