per ‧ sist AC /pəˈsɪst $ pər-/ BrE AmE verb
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ persist ; noun : ↑ persistence ; adverb : ↑ persistently ; adjective : ↑ persistent ]
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: French ; Origin: persister , from Latin persistere , from sistere 'to stand firm' ]
1 . [intransitive and transitive] to continue to do something, although this is difficult, or other people oppose it
persist in (doing) something
He persisted in his refusal to admit responsibility.
persist with
She persisted with her studies in spite of financial problems.
‘I don’t think it’s right,’ John persisted.
2 . [intransitive] if something bad persists, it continues to exist or happen:
If the pain persists, you must see a doctor.
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THESAURUS
■ to continue to happen
▪ continue to happen without stopping:
The good weather seems likely to continue.
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Unless there are serious negotiations, the fighting will continue.
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Some people have lost work, and this will continue to happen until the computer system is fixed.
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The review process is expected to continue for several weeks.
▪ last to continue – use this to say how long something continues for:
I know my good luck won’t last forever.
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It’s not certain how long the ceasefire will last.
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The trial lasted for six days.
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The meeting lasted until lunchtime.
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The training period lasted from July 2 to August 25.
▪ go on to continue, especially for a long time:
Disputes between neighbours can go on for years.
▪ carry on British English to continue, especially when there are problems:
The game carried on despite the injury of two players.
▪ drag on to continue for much longer than necessary or for longer than you want:
The meeting dragged on for another hour.
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The talks dragged on, with no apparent hope of achieving a peaceful solution.
▪ persist formal if something bad persists, it continues to exist or happen:
See your doctor if the symptoms persist.
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If adverse weather conditions persist, the game will be cancelled.