pə(r)ˈsist also -ˈzi- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle French persister, from Latin persistere, from per-, intensive prefix + sistere to stand firm; akin to Latin stare to stand — more at per- , stand
intransitive verb
1. : to go on resolutely or stubbornly despite opposition, importunity, or warning : continue firmly or obstinately
persist in a bad habit
2. obsolete : to remain unchanged or fixed in a usually specified character, condition, or position : continue to be
but for thee, I had persisted happy — John Milton
3. : to be insistent in the repetition or pressing of an utterance (as a question, an excuse, or an opinion)
4. : to continue to exist or endure (as beyond a normal period or after the removal of a cause) : recur constantly
characteristics that persist through generations
a melody that persists in the mind
transitive verb
: to repeat or press (an utterance) insistently : continue saying : urge
Synonyms: see continue , persevere