Word
perseverance
Phoneticsper·se·ver·ance, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌpɝsəˈvɪɹəns/
UK/pˌɜːsɪvˈiəɹəns/
Uncountable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“Her perseverance finally paid off when she won the race.”
“Learning a new language requires a great deal of perseverance because progress can feel very slow at times.”
“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.”
Examples
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'.
Real-World Examples
“Dr Arto K Ahonen, Pisa national project manager at the Finnish Institute for Educational Research, said the results had prompted serious discussion over pupils’ perseverance and effort.” “Such media may gesture at teamwork or perseverance, but the speed of the format leaves little time for those lessons to sink in.” Etymology
From Middle English perseveraunce, from Old French perseverance, from Latin persevērantia.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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