persistent
Persistent (adjective) means continuing firmly despite difficulty or opposition; refusing to give up. Example: “He was persistent, calling the office every day until he got an answer.”
How to use persistent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSticking around or continuing, whether that's a person's determination, an annoying problem, or stored data.
Word forms
more persistent comparative, most persistent superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He was _____, calling the office every day until he got an answer.
Etymology
From Latin persistentem, present participle of persistō (“continue steadfastly”). By surface analysis, persist + -ent.
Related words
Rhymes for persistent
See all rhymes for persistent →Frequently asked questions
What does “persistent” mean?
The word “persistent” means continuing firmly despite difficulty or opposition; refusing to give up. In plain terms, sticking around or continuing, whether that's a person's determination, an annoying problem, or stored data.
How do you pronounce “persistent”?
“Persistent” is pronounced puh-SIHS-tuhnt (/pɚˈsɪstənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “persistent” in a sentence?
Here is “persistent” used in a sentence: “He was persistent, calling the office every day until he got an answer.”
What part of speech is “persistent”?
“Persistent” is an adjective.
Is “persistent” a common word?
“Persistent” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “persistent” have?
“Persistent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: continuing firmly despite difficulty or opposition; refusing to give up.
What is the difference between 'persistent' and 'consistent'?
Persistent means continuing firmly despite difficulty or refusing to give up, while consistent means staying the same or behaving in a steady, unchanging way. Someone can be persistent (they keep trying) without being consistent (doing it the same way every time).
What is the difference between 'persistent' and 'stubborn'?
Both describe someone who does not give up easily, but 'persistent' is usually positive, suggesting admirable determination. 'Stubborn' is often negative, implying an unreasonable refusal to change one's mind or approach.
Is 'persistent' a positive or negative word?
Persistent is generally positive when it describes determination and refusing to give up, as in 'a persistent researcher.' It becomes negative when it describes something unwanted that will not stop, such as a 'persistent cough' or 'persistent rain.'