/ pəˈsɪst; NAmE pərˈs-/ verb
1.
persist (in sth / in doing sth) | persist (with sth) to continue to do sth despite difficulties or opposition, in a way that can seem unreasonable :
[ v ]
Why do you persist in blaming yourself for what happened?
She persisted in her search for the truth.
He persisted with his questioning.
[ v speech ]
'So, did you agree or not?' he persisted.
2.
[ v ] to continue to exist :
If the symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent.: from Latin persistere , from per- through, steadfastly + sistere to stand.