Persistent
adjective /pəˈsɪstənt/ — Continuing despite difficulty or resistance.
Definition
Continuing firmly with something despite opposition, setbacks, or the time it takes.
Beyond the definition
Persistent describes the quality that makes the difference after talent levels out. Most successes in work, study, and life come not from being the smartest, but from being the one who didn't stop.
Origin & history
From Latin persistere — to stand firm (per- 'through' + sistere 'to stand'). Standing all the way through.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
His persistent follow-ups eventually got him the meeting he needed.
Learning a language takes persistent effort over months, not bursts of motivation.
She was persistent without being pushy — there's a difference.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Persistent” when the meaning fits your context: Continuing firmly with something despite opposition, setbacks, or the time it takes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
inconsistent, giving up, quitting
Related words
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Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Enduring Shoot in Stone
A small, vibrant green shoot pushes through a jagged, heavy crack in a marble floor, surrounded by still, man-made stone surfaces.
The plant's growth through the solid marble represents persistence. It continues to develop despite the opposition of the dense, heavy rock, illustrating the power of ongoing effort over time to overcome environmental setbacks and maintain progress towards a natural goal.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Persistent" mean?
Persistent is adjective meaning: Continuing despite difficulty or resistance.. Continuing firmly with something despite opposition, setbacks, or the time it takes.
Where does the word "Persistent" come from?
From Latin persistere — to stand firm (per- 'through' + sistere 'to stand'). Standing all the way through.