Persistent — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /pər-ˈsi-stənt/ per·sis·tent

Meaning & Definition of Persistent

Persistent (adjective)

  1. existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously
  2. retained beyond the usual period
  3. continuing without change in function or structure

Persistent (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. continuing despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement

    "although his first attempts were singularly unsuccessful, he was persistent in his pursuit of a career in rock music"

    similar: dogged, insistent, patient, persevering, pertinacious, tenacious
    related: assured, certain, dedicated, determined, firm, hell-bent, intent, positive, resolute, resolved, single-minded, sure, adamant, bullheaded, hardened, hardheaded, headstrong, implacable, indurate, mulish, obdurate, obstinate, opinionated, peevish, perverse, pigheaded, self-willed, stiff-necked, stubborn, unregenerate, unyielding, willful, unfaltering, unhesitating, unwavering, resistant, wayward, wrongheaded, constant, devoted, faithful, good, loyal, staunch, steadfast, steady, true, indomitable, unconquerable, hard, inflexible, relentless, stern, unbending, unflinching, unrelenting
    near: quitting, surrendering, yielding, faltering, hesitant, hesitating, irresolute, vacillating, wavering, disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, traitorous, treacherous

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Persistent

The most common words with a similar meaning to Persistent:

dogged, insistent, patient, persevering, pertinacious, tenacious

Related Words for Persistent

assured, certain, dedicated, determined, firm, hell-bent, intent, positive, resolute, resolved, single-minded, sure, adamant, bullheaded, hardened, hardheaded, headstrong, implacable, indurate, mulish, obdurate, obstinate, opinionated, peevish, perverse, pigheaded, self-willed, stiff-necked, stubborn, unregenerate

Near Antonyms of Persistent

quitting, surrendering, yielding, faltering, hesitant, hesitating, irresolute, vacillating, wavering, disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, traitorous, treacherous

Word Forms of Persistent

Derived words: persistently (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Persistent

Latin persistent-, persistens, present participle of persistere see persist

First known use: 1826

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Persistent

Words & Phrases Containing Persistent

persistent vegetative state

Frequently Asked Questions about Persistent

What does "Persistent" mean?

"Persistent" means existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously. As an adjective, it is defined as: existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously.

What is another word for "Persistent"?

Other words for "Persistent" include dogged, insistent, patient, persevering, pertinacious and tenacious. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Persistent" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Persistent"?

There are 62 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Persistent". Common alternatives include dogged, insistent, patient, persevering, pertinacious and tenacious.

How do you use "Persistent" in a sentence?

Examples of "Persistent" in a sentence: "although his first attempts were singularly unsuccessful, he was persistent in his pursuit of a career in rock music".

Is "Persistent" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Persistent" is an adjective.

Is "Persistent" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Persistent"?

"Persistent" is pronounced /pər-ˈsi-stənt/ and divided into syllables as per·sis·tent.

What is the origin of the word "Persistent"?

"Persistent" comes from Latin persistent-, persistens, present participle of persistere see persist. First known use: 1826.