Word
persist
Phoneticsper·sist, stress on the second syllable
US/pɝˈsɪst/
UK/pəsˈɪst/
Definitions
01to keep trying
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to continue doing something in a determined way, even if people try to stop you or it is very hard.
v. to continue steadfastly or obstinately in an opinion or course of action, especially in the face of opposition.
Español:persistir
“If you persist in making so much noise, I will have to ask you to leave the library.”
“Despite several rejections from major publishers, the author persisted in submitting her manuscript until she finally secured a contract.”
Usage
Usually takes the preposition 'in' followed by a noun or gerund.
Pitfall
She persisted to ask the same question.
She persisted in asking the same question.
The verb persist is followed by the preposition 'in' and a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
02to continue existing
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to continue to exist or happen, especially for longer than is usual or expected.
v. to remain in existence; to endure or stay present over a period of time.
“The cold weather is likely to persist for the rest of the week.”
“Economists warn that inflationary pressures may persist well into the next fiscal year despite the central bank's recent interventions.”
Usage
Intransitive; does not take a direct object.
03to save data
C1 · Advanced Computing Technical
v. to save information permanently so it is still there after a computer or program is turned off.
v. to store data in a non-volatile way so that it remains available across different sessions or after a system restart.
“The application needs to persist the user's settings to the database.”
“The framework automatically persists state changes to the local storage to ensure no progress is lost during a crash.”
Usage
Can be used transitively in technical contexts to mean 'to cause to persist'.
Teaching tip
This is a specialized sense used by software developers; in general English, 'save' is the standard term.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “persist” in context.
Noun
01. difference persist
“Despite the recent peace talks, significant cultural and political differences persist between the two nations.”
noun + verb
Real-World Examples
“Authorities would prioritise saving lives and persist with rescue efforts, Kumagai added.” “The Environment Agency has warned that more areas of England could be declared in drought if dry conditions persist.” “If dry conditions persist, rivers, reservoirs and groundwater levels can also fall, putting pressure on water supplies.” “The pattern persisted until artificial light changed the economics of the night: gas lamps began lighting London's streets in 1807, people stayed up later, the gap between the two sleeps narrowed and eventually closed.” Etymology
From Middle French persister (Modern French persister), from Latin persistere, from per- + sistere (“to stand”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/persist
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0