English Reference
Noun

perseverance

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˌpɝsəˈvɪɹəns/ UK /pˌɜːsɪvˈiəɹəns/ per·se·ver·ance UK spelling perseverances

n.the quality of continuing to try to do something even when it is difficult or takes a long time. You use this to describe someone who does not give up.

n.continued effort to achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. Often associated with long-term goals and grit.


SIMPLE

Her perseverance finally paid off when she won the race.

CONTEXTUAL

Learning a new language requires a great deal of perseverance because progress can feel very slow at times.

COMPLEX

The scientific breakthrough was not the result of a single moment of genius, but rather years of quiet perseverance in the face of repeated experimental failures.

Usage

Typically used as an abstract concept; often paired with the verbs 'show', 'require', or 'demonstrate'.


From Middle English perseveraunce, from Old French perseverance, from Latin persevērantia.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin persevērantia
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated