per ‧ se ‧ ver ‧ ance /ˌpɜːsəˈvɪərəns, ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns $ ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪr-/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
determination to keep trying to achieve something in spite of difficulties – use this to show approval:
It took perseverance to overcome his reading problems.
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THESAURUS
▪ determination the quality of continuing to try to do something, even when it is difficult:
Bill got where he is today by sheer hard work and determination.
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I really admired her determination to live her own life.
▪ willpower the ability to control your mind and body in order to achieve something you have decided to do:
It takes a lot of willpower to give up smoking.
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She made herself get better by sheer willpower, when everyone else had given up hope.
▪ drive the determination and energy to succeed, especially in business or work:
We’re looking for young people who have drive, initiative, and new ideas.
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He’s clever enough, but he lacks drive.
▪ resolve formal a strong determination to succeed in doing something, especially because you are sure that it is a good thing to do:
The poverty she saw there strengthened her resolve to do something to help.
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The success of a military enterprise depends partly on the resolve of its leaders.
▪ perseverance the ability to continue trying to achieve something over a long period in a patient way, even when this is difficult:
Reaching this standard of musical skill requires incredible perseverance.
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A good teacher should have imagination and perseverance.
▪ ruthlessness the quality of being extremely determined to achieve what you want, and not caring if you have to hurt other people to do it:
He was a man who pursued his aims with complete ruthlessness.
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The revolt was suppressed with total ruthlessness.
▪ tenacity formal the determination to never stop trying to do something, especially when other people try to stop you:
He clung to power with a remarkable tenacity.
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When fighting cancer, Tsongas showed the same tenacity he displayed in politics.