persist
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
To continue firmly or obstinately in a course of action, opinion, or state in spite of difficulty, opposition, or failure.
To continue to exist; to endure or last over a long period.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a verb, often with a positive connotation of admirable determination, but can also imply stubbornness or an unwelcome continuation. Often requires the preposition 'in' before a gerund or noun phrase (persist in doing something).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or primary usage. Spelling and pronunciation are the main variations.
Connotations
Equally formal in both variants. Slightly more common in American academic and technical writing.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both corpora, with a slight edge in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] persist[Subject] persist in [gerund/noun][Subject] persist with [noun][Subject] persist despite [noun]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. (related concept)”
- “Dog with a bone (similar tenacity)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The supply chain issues are likely to persist into the next quarter.
Academic
The paradox persists across multiple theoretical frameworks.
Everyday
I told him to stop, but he just persisted in making that annoying noise.
Technical
The software bug persists even after the latest patch.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- If symptoms persist, consult your GP.
- She persisted in her enquiries despite the council's reluctance.
American English
- If pain persists, see a doctor.
- He persisted with the project even after funding was cut.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The rain will persist all day.
- She persisted in learning the guitar even though it was difficult.
- Cold weather will persist through the week.
- If the error persists, try restarting the application.
- He persists in believing the old system was better.
- Cultural stereotypes persist despite increased global interaction.
- The researcher persisted with the experiment despite numerous setbacks.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SISTer who PERsistently asks for your things. PER + SIST = She keeps asking.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTINUING IS A JOURNEY (persist on a path), ENDURANCE IS STRENGTH (persist against pressure), STUBBORNNESS IS A SOLID OBJECT (persist like a rock).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'insist' (настаивать). 'Persist' focuses on the action continuing, not on demanding.
- Avoid direct translation from 'упорствовать' or 'сохраняться'; choose based on context: 'persist' for active continuation, 'remain' for a static state.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'persist on' (correct: persist in/with).
- Using it transitively without a preposition: 'He persisted his efforts.' (correct: He persisted in his efforts / He persisted with his efforts.)
Practice
Quiz
Which preposition most commonly follows 'persist' when referring to an activity?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered formal. In everyday speech, 'keep on' or 'continue' are often used instead.
No, it is an intransitive verb. It requires a preposition (in, with) or stands alone: 'The problem persists.'
The noun is 'persistence'. The adjective is 'persistent'.
No. While it can describe admirable perseverance, it can also describe annoyingly stubborn behaviour or the unwelcome continuation of a problem.