/perr'seuh vear"/ , v. , persevered, persevering .
v.i.
1. to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.
2. to persist in speech, interrogation, argument, etc.; insist.
v.t.
3. to bolster, sustain, or uphold: unflagging faith that had persevered him.
[ 1325-75; ME perseveren perseverer perseverare to persist, deriv. of perseverus very strict. See PER-, SEVERE ]
Syn. 1. See continue .