Persist Meaning

UK /pəˈsɪst/
US /pərˈsɪst/
Word Definition
persist meaning

Persist Definition & Usage

verb

To continue firmly in a course of action despite difficulty, opposition, or delay.

Examples

  • "Even after several setbacks, she persisted with her plans to start a new business."
  • "Despite the heavy rain, the team persisted and finished the race."
  • "He persisted in his attempts to contact the company, refusing to give up."
  • "The athlete persisted through the pain and completed the marathon."
  • "Although the job search was long and frustrating, he persisted until he found the right position."
verb

To remain in existence or continue to occur over time.

Examples

  • "The tradition of celebrating the harvest festival has persisted for centuries."
  • "His influence in the field of science persisted long after his retirement."
  • "The pattern of low interest rates has persisted through the entire economic crisis."
  • "The rumors about the company's financial troubles persisted despite official denials."
  • "Although the issue had been resolved, the bad reputation persisted for years."

Cultural Context

The word 'persist' originates from the Latin word 'persistere,' meaning 'to stand firm' or 'to remain steadfast.' Over time, it evolved to describe both personal determination and the continuity of events or conditions. Persistence is highly valued in many cultures, especially in the context of personal growth and overcoming obstacles.

The Long Road to Success

Story

The Long Road to Success

In the quiet town of Pine Ridge, two friends, Lily and James, shared a dream of opening a bakery. Lily had always been passionate about baking, while James brought the business acumen. Despite their enthusiasm, the road to success was not easy. They encountered countless obstacles: permits were delayed, the equipment malfunctioned, and suppliers failed to deliver on time. Yet, through every challenge, they persisted. One cold morning, as Lily was mixing dough in the small kitchen, she recalled the first time they decided to open the bakery. They had been full of excitement, imagining the bustling shop and loyal customers. But reality had hit hard. The initial struggles made them doubt whether their dream could ever come true. 'Should we just quit?' James had asked one evening, exhausted from the endless hurdles. 'No,' Lily had replied firmly. 'We need to persist. We've come too far to stop now.' And so they did. Day by day, they worked tirelessly, making small improvements to their product, marketing their bakery on social media, and building relationships with customers. Months later, the bakery had finally opened its doors. The grand opening was a success, and their pastries became popular, attracting people from neighboring towns. Looking back, they realized that their success was not just about making the best pastries—it was about persistence. Despite all the setbacks, they never gave up on their vision. As Lily reflected on their journey, she understood that 'persist' wasn’t just about continuing when things were easy—it was about pushing through when every fiber of your being wanted to quit. Their bakery wasn’t just a business; it was a testament to their unwavering commitment to their dream, a symbol of what persistence could achieve. 'We've learned something important through this,' James said one day. 'It’s not about the setbacks. It's about what you do after them. You just have to keep going.' The success of the bakery wasn’t just a victory for them—it was proof that persistence could turn dreams into reality, no matter how difficult the journey might seem.

The Long Road to Success