verb

persevere

pur-suh-VEER

Persevere (verb) means to keep trying to achieve something despite obstacles or discouragement. Example: “Despite three rejections, she persevered and eventually landed the job.”

verb

To keep trying to achieve something despite obstacles or discouragement.

"Despite three rejections, she persevered and eventually landed the job."

"He persevered with his physical therapy even when progress was slow."

How to use persevere

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo keep going and not give up.

Common pairings

persevere with something persevere through hardship

Word forms

persevered past tense, perseveres singular

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Despite three rejections, she _____ and eventually landed the job.

Etymology

From Latin perseverare, "to continue steadfastly," from per- ("thoroughly") + severus ("strict, serious").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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abide astand bear up carry on continue endure follow up hang in there hold on hold out hold the line hold up

Antonyms

cease desist give up quit stop surrender yield

Related words

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Rhymes for persevere

ere here were mere Pere dere Vere Gere there where Frere Shere

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Frequently asked questions

What does “persevere” mean?

The word “persevere” means to keep trying to achieve something despite obstacles or discouragement. In plain terms, to keep going and not give up.

How do you pronounce “persevere”?

“Persevere” is pronounced pur-suh-VEER (/ˌpɝ.səˈviɹ/ in IPA).

How do you use “persevere” in a sentence?

Here is “persevere” used in a sentence: “Despite three rejections, she persevered and eventually landed the job.”

What is another word for “persevere”?

Words with a similar meaning to “persevere” include abide, astand, bear up, carry on, continue and endure.

What is the opposite of “persevere”?

The opposite of “persevere” — its antonyms — are cease, desist, give up, quit and stop.

What part of speech is “persevere”?

“Persevere” is a verb.

Where does the word “persevere” come from?

The word “persevere” comes from Latin. From Latin perseverare, "to continue steadfastly," from per- ("thoroughly") + severus ("strict, serious").

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